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Outbreaks of gastroenteritis due to infections with Norovirus in Switzerland, 2001–2003

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  25 January 2005

R. FRETZ
Affiliation:
Cantonal Laboratory Basel-Landschaft, 4410 Liestal, Switzerland Swiss Tropical Institute, 4002 Basel, Switzerland
P. SVOBODA
Affiliation:
Cantonal Laboratory Basel-Landschaft, 4410 Liestal, Switzerland
T. M. LÜTHI
Affiliation:
University of Applied Sciences Wädenswil, 8820 Wädenswil, Switzerland
M. TANNER
Affiliation:
Swiss Tropical Institute, 4002 Basel, Switzerland
A. BAUMGARTNER
Affiliation:
Swiss Federal Office of Public Health, 3003 Bern, Switzerland
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Abstract

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Viral infections, especially those with noroviruses are the most common cause of acute gastroenteritis in Europe. To obtain information about the epidemic situation of noroviruses in Switzerland, an initial study was launched in the German-speaking part of the country to systematically compile Norovirus outbreak information between 2001 and 2003. In total, 73 outbreaks were registered. Most affected were closed settings, e.g. nursing homes (34%) and hospitals (25%). Transmission pathways were identified in 74% of Norovirus outbreaks. In 81% of these cases person-to-person transmission was the primary route of infection and on seven occasions (13%), a foodborne transmission was the possible cause. Furthermore, Norovirus outbreak characteristics of epidemiological importance are highlighted with a discussion of four selected events.

Type
Research Article
Copyright
© 2005 Cambridge University Press