Epidemiological Analysis on Norovirus Gastroenteritis Outbreaks in Schools of Guangzhou City from 2003 to 2007

Objective To perform an epidemiological study of Norovirus gastroenteritis in schools of Guangzhou city from 2003 to 2007,and to develop strategies for the prevention and control of Norovirus gastroenteritis.Methods Descriptive epidemiology was used to study Norovirus gastroenteritis outbreaks in schools from 2003 to 2007 in Guangzhou.Results There were 14 outbreaks of Norovirus gastroenteritis and 547 cases in Guangzhou from 2003 to 2007.The epidemic reached a peak from October to December,and the sex ratio was 1.21∶1.Most cases occurred in primary and secondary schools.The origin of infection was dimness and the transmission may through digestive tract.Conclusion The Norovirus gastroenteritis tends to occur in outbreaks and the units which have collective public are the high risk units,such as primary and secondary schools.Taking control measures as soon as possible can avoid diffusing.