Epidemiological analysis on three outbreaks of Norovirus gastroenteritis in aged care hostel in Foshan.

Objective To investigate the epidemiological characteristics of outbreaks of Norovirus gastroenteritis inaged care hostels,and to provide reference for prevention of future similar outbreaks.Methods Field epidemiology investigation reports of Norovirus gastroenteritis outbreaks in aged care hotels in Foshan in 2007 were collected for analysis.Descriptive epidemiological method was used to analyze outbreak investigations.Results 3 outbreaks of Norovirus gastroenteritis and 56 cases in aged care hostels were reported in Foshan during February to March in 2007.Norovirus Ⅱ nucleic acid was detected in some stool specimens from patients in every outbreak.These outbreaks were mainly transmitted through person-to-person closely contact.Conclusion Early detection,early reporting,rapid response,as well as to improve home hygiene and to strengthen care workers' norms of operation,are the keys of prevention and control of Norovirus gastroenteritis outbreak occurred in aged care hostels.