Deaths from Norovirus among the Elderly
Author Information
Author(s): Harris John P., Edmunds W. John, Pebody Richard, Brown David W., Lopman Ben A.
Primary Institution: Health Protection Agency, London, UK
Hypothesis
Was the 2002–03 norovirus season associated with more pathogenicity than other seasons?
Conclusion
The study estimates that approximately 80 deaths each year in the elderly may be associated with norovirus infection.
Supporting Evidence
- Norovirus was the only gastrointestinal pathogen significantly associated with monthly counts of infectious ID deaths.
- An estimated 80 deaths each year in the elderly may be associated with norovirus infection.
- During 2001–2006, a total of 1,136 deaths were recorded with any code for infectious ID.
- Deaths from infectious ID and noninfectious ID were correlated and exhibited a wintertime seasonal pattern.
Takeaway
Norovirus can make older people very sick, and it might cause about 80 deaths each year in people over 65 in England and Wales.
Methodology
Regression analysis was used to model monthly counts of gastrointestinal pathogens against monthly counts of deaths from infectious and noninfectious intestinal diseases.
Potential Biases
Testing and reporting behavior may have changed over time, potentially affecting results.
Limitations
Deaths from infectious diseases tend to be underreported, and laboratory reports may not capture long-term outcomes.
Participant Demographics
Persons over 65 years of age in England and Wales.
Statistical Information
P-Value
<0.001
Confidence Interval
13.3%–26.8%
Statistical Significance
p<0.001
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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