Evaluation of Norovirus Outbreak Surveillance in Germany
Author Information
Author(s): Hauri Anja M., Westbrock Hans-Jürgen, Claus Herman, Geis Steffen, Giernat Siegfried, Forβbohm Michael, Uphoff Helmut
Primary Institution: Hesse State Health Office
Hypothesis
How accurately does the national surveillance database reflect nosocomial norovirus outbreak data?
Conclusion
The study found that many norovirus outbreaks are not reported by hospitals, and differences in local health authority procedures affect the number of outbreaks captured.
Supporting Evidence
- The national database contained information on 155 outbreaks, including 3,115 cases.
- Cases were missed in the national database in 58 (37%) of the outbreaks.
- Information on hospitalization was incorrect for an estimated 47% of cases.
Takeaway
This study looked at how well Germany tracks norovirus outbreaks in hospitals. It found that many outbreaks go unreported because of differences in how local health authorities follow up on cases.
Methodology
Data on nosocomial norovirus outbreaks were extracted from the national database and compared to data collected from local public health authorities.
Potential Biases
Potential bias due to incomplete follow-up by local health authorities and misreporting of cases.
Limitations
The study may not capture all outbreaks due to underreporting and reliance on local health authority follow-up procedures.
Participant Demographics
The evaluation included 19 counties in Hesse, Germany, with a total population of 4.2 million inhabitants.
Statistical Information
P-Value
0.002
Confidence Interval
95% CI 1.4–5.7
Statistical Significance
p<0.05
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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