A Norovirus and Rotavirus Mixed Outbreak in a High School in Pingtung County, 2011

Ming-Chih Liu1、Angela Song-En Huang1、Hui-Chen Lin2、Ching-Li Lin2、Mei-Man Hsu2、Min-Nan Hung2、Shu-Hua Huang2、Sheng-Tang Wei2、Li-Jen Lin2

2012 Vol.28 NO.21

Correspondence Author： Ming-Chih Liu

Abstract：

In April 2011, a gastroenteritis outbreak in school X was reported to Taiwan Centers for Disease Control, and questionnaires were released to the students in 12 classes for investigation. Among the 449 students, 248 were ill (attack rate = 55%). The most common symptoms were diarrhea (89%), poor appetite (63%), abdominal fullness (54%) and vomiting (48%). Stool specimens from ill students collected for laboratory examination found 1 norovirus, 3 rotavirus, and 2 mixed infections. There were more than 2 peaks in the epidemic curve, and the students were distributed evenly in many classes. Person-to-person transmission was suspected. Analyzing the risk factors of disease, there was no definite common source, and students washing hands less frequently and using the toilet near the gathering hall on April 22 had more illness. Sharing toilets and infrequent hand-washing may facilitate viral spread in the outbreak. Diarrhetic students should use designated toilets at school. Hand-washing should be enhanced among all students.