Foodborne Norovirus Outbreak Linked to Asymptomatic Food Handler
Author Information
Author(s): Barrabeig Irene, Rovira Ariadna, Buesa Javier, Bartolomé Rosa, Pintó Rosa, Prellezo Hortènsia, Domínguez Àngela
Primary Institution: Epidemiological Surveillance Unit of Costa Ponent, Directorate of Public Health, Department of Health, Autonomous Government of Catalonia, Barcelona, Spain
Hypothesis
The outbreak of gastroenteritis was foodborne and involved an asymptomatic food handler.
Conclusion
The study highlights the importance of testing asymptomatic food handlers for norovirus in foodborne outbreaks.
Supporting Evidence
- The global attack rate of the outbreak was 55%.
- Norovirus was detected in stool samples from six symptomatic individuals and one asymptomatic food handler.
- The main symptoms included abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea.
Takeaway
Sometimes, people who don't feel sick can still spread germs that make others sick, like in this food poisoning case.
Methodology
A retrospective cohort study was conducted with interviews and stool sample testing for norovirus.
Limitations
The study did not establish a specific food as the vehicle of infection due to the consumption of multiple foods by all affected individuals.
Participant Demographics
The study included 80 participants, primarily children aged 9-13 years, with a median age of 11 years.
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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