Gastroenteritis Outbreak at Holiday Resort in Italy
Author Information
Author(s): Migliorati Giacomo, Prencipe Vincenza, Ripani Alessandro, Di Francesco Cristina, Casaccia Claudia, Crudeli Silvia, Ferri Nicola, Giovannini Armando, Marconi Maria Maddalena, Marfoglia Cristina, Melai Valeria, Savini Giovanni, Scortichini Giampiero, Semprini Primula, Ruggeri Franco Maria
Primary Institution: Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale dell’Abruzzo and Molise “G. Caporale,” Teramo, Italy
Hypothesis
What was the source of the gastroenteritis outbreak at the holiday resort?
Conclusion
Norovirus was identified as the most likely cause of the gastroenteritis outbreak at the resort.
Supporting Evidence
- 183 case-patients were identified, with 67% belonging to family clusters.
- Norovirus was confirmed in 68% of stool samples collected from patients.
- Significant associations were found between disease and use of non-drinking water facilities.
Takeaway
A lot of people got sick at a holiday resort because the water they used was contaminated. The researchers found that the virus causing the sickness was in the water.
Methodology
The study included an epidemiologic survey and an environmental survey, using a matched case-control design.
Potential Biases
Potential bias in case selection and reporting from resort guests.
Limitations
The study may not have captured all cases of gastroenteritis due to reliance on self-reported symptoms.
Participant Demographics
The study included 169 guests and 14 resort employees, with a significant number of cases occurring within family clusters.
Statistical Information
P-Value
<0.01
Confidence Interval
95% CI
Statistical Significance
p<0.01
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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