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. 2012 Jun;205(11):1639-41.
doi: 10.1093/infdis/jis250. Epub 2012 May 8.

A point-source norovirus outbreak caused by exposure to fomites

Kimberly K Repp  1 , William E Keene
Affiliations

A point-source norovirus outbreak caused by exposure to fomites

Kimberly K Repp et al. J Infect Dis. 2012 Jun.

Abstract

We investigated a norovirus outbreak (genotype GII.2) affecting 9 members of a soccer team. Illness was associated with touching a reusable grocery bag or consuming its packaged food contents (risk difference, 0.636; P < .01). By polymerase chain reaction, GII norovirus was recovered from the bag, which had been stored in a bathroom used before the outbreak by a person with norovirus-like illness. Airborne contamination of fomites can lead to subsequent point-source outbreaks. When feasible, we recommend dedicated bathrooms for sick persons and informing cleaning staff (professional or otherwise) about the need for adequate environmental sanitation of surfaces and fomites to prevent spread.

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Figures

Figure 1.
Figure 1.
Epidemic curve of gastroenteritis among attendees of a soccer tournament in Washington in October 2010. Presumptive secondary infections are not shown.
See this image and copyright information in PMC

Comment in

  • Noroviruses: the perfect human pathogens?
    Hall AJ. Hall AJ. J Infect Dis. 2012 Jun;205(11):1622-4. doi: 10.1093/infdis/jis251. Epub 2012 May 8. J Infect Dis. 2012. PMID: 22573872 Free PMC article. No abstract available.

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