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EPA Method 1615. Measurement of Enterovirus and Norovirus Occurrence in Water by Culture and RT-qPCR. II. Total Culturable Virus Assay
Published on: September 11, 2016
Norwalk-like viral gastroenteritis outbreak in U.S. Army trainees
M K Arness1, B H Feighner, M L Canham
1Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences, Bethesda, MD, marness@pol.net
Emerging Infectious Diseases
|April 11, 2000
Summary
An outbreak of acute gastroenteritis affected U.S. Army trainees. Norwalk-like virus (genogroup 2) was identified as the cause, linked to a dining facility and soft drinks.
Area of Science:
- Epidemiology
- Infectious Diseases
- Public Health
Background:
- An acute gastroenteritis outbreak occurred among U.S. Army trainees at Fort Bliss, Texas.
- The outbreak led to significant hospitalizations, impacting trainee health and readiness.
Purpose of the Study:
- To identify the causative agent of the gastroenteritis outbreak.
- To determine the source and associated risk factors for the outbreak.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective analysis of hospitalization data.
- Laboratory testing using reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) for viral detection.
- Case-control study to identify associated exposures.
Main Results:
- 99 out of 835 trainees (12%) were hospitalized.
- RT-PCR confirmed the presence of Norwalk-like virus, specifically genogroup 2.
- The outbreak was associated with a specific post dining facility and consumption of soft drinks.
Conclusions:
- Norwalk-like virus genogroup 2 was the etiological agent responsible for the outbreak.
- The post dining facility and contaminated soft drinks were identified as likely sources.
- Findings underscore the importance of food and beverage safety in military training environments.
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