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. 2010 Jul;7(7):2822-7.
doi: 10.3390/ijerph7072822. Epub 2010 Jul 5.

The incidence of norovirus-associated gastroenteritis outbreaks in Victoria, Australia (2002-2007) and their relationship with rainfall

Leesa D Bruggink  1 , John A Marshall
Affiliations

The incidence of norovirus-associated gastroenteritis outbreaks in Victoria, Australia (2002-2007) and their relationship with rainfall

Leesa D Bruggink et al. Int J Environ Res Public Health. 2010 Jul.

Abstract

The relationship between the incidence of norovirus-associated gastroenteritis outbreaks (NAGOs) in Victoria, Australia for the period 2002-2007 and rainfall was examined. Statistical analysis involving the correlation between time series indicated that there was a statistically significant (p < 0.05) correlation between monthly NAGO incidence and average monthly rainfall. There was a lag of an average of about three months between peak average rainfall and a NAGO epidemic. The findings thus indicate rainfall can influence NAGO incidence. In an era where there is concern about the potential effects of global warming on weather patterns, it should be borne in mind that future changes in NAGO incidence may reflect altered world weather patterns.

Keywords: lag; norovirus; outbreaks; rainfall.

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Figures

Figure 1
Figure 1
(a) Incidence of NAGOs per month in Victoria, 2002–2007. (b) Average monthly rainfall for Victoria, 2002–2007.
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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