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A school outbreak of Norwalk-like virus: evidence for airborne transmission

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  23 September 2003

P. J. MARKS ,
I. B. VIPOND ,
F. M. REGAN ,
K. WEDGWOOD ,
R. E. FEY  and
E. O. CAUL
P. J. MARKS
Affiliation:
Division of Epidemiology and Public Health, University of Nottingham, Queens Medical Centre, Nottingham NG7 2UH
I. B. VIPOND
Affiliation:
Bristol Public Health Laboratory, Myrtle Road, Kingsdown, Bristol B52 8EL
F. M. REGAN
Affiliation:
Environmental Services Division, Derby City Council, Celtic House, Heritage Gate, Friary street, Derby DE1 1QK
K. WEDGWOOD
Affiliation:
Southern Derbyshire Health Authority, Derment Court, Stuart St, Derby DE1 2FZ
R. E. FEY
Affiliation:
Southern Derbyshire Health Authority, Derment Court, Stuart St, Derby DE1 2FZ
E. O. CAUL
Affiliation:
Bristol Public Health Laboratory, Myrtle Road, Kingsdown, Bristol B52 8EL
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Abstract

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An outbreak of gastroenteritis affected a school attended by children aged 4–11 years. Epidemiological features suggested this was due to Norwalk-like virus (NLV) and this was confirmed by polymerase chain reaction (PCR). Nucleotide sequence analysis of the PCR amplicons revealed identical strains in all five positive stool samples. Pupils were significantly more likely to become ill following an episode of vomiting within their classroom (adjusted odds ratio 4·1, 95% CI 1·8–9·3). The times from exposure to illness were consistent with direct infection from aerosolized viral particles where exposure to vomiting was high.

Cleaning with quaternary ammonium preparations made no impact on the course of the outbreak. However, the outbreak stopped after the school closed for 4 days and was cleaned using chlorine-based agents. This study confirms the importance of vomiting in the transmission of NLV and provides evidence that direct infection with aerosolized viral particles occurs.

Type
Research Article
Information
Epidemiology & Infection , Volume 131 , Issue 1 , August 2003 , pp. 727 - 736
Copyright
© 2003 Cambridge University Press