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Updated: Aug 25, 2026
10:03
Swab Sampling Method for the Detection of Human Norovirus on Surfaces
Published on: February 6, 2017
Hospital outbreak of gastroenteritis due to Norovirus in Belgium
V Verbelen1, M Bodéus, M G Garrino
1Département de Biologie Clinique, Laboratoire de Virologie, Cliniques Universitaires St-Luc, U.C.L., Bruxelles, Belgique.
Acta Clinica Belgica
|April 7, 2004
Abstract:
We report an outbreak of gastroenteritis due to Norovirus in a care unit in a Belgian hospital involving thirty-three people. The origin of the outbreak was traced to one nursing assistant. The virus strain identified by reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction and electron microscopy belonged to the genogroup II.
Insights
A Norovirus outbreak in a Belgian hospital infected 33 individuals. This gastroenteritis outbreak was linked to a single nursing assistant and involved the genogroup II virus strain.
Area of Science:
- Infectious Diseases
- Epidemiology
- Microbiology
Background:
- Gastroenteritis outbreaks pose significant risks in healthcare settings.
- Norovirus is a common cause of infectious gastroenteritis worldwide.
- Hospital-acquired infections require prompt identification and control.
Purpose of the Study:
- To report and analyze a Norovirus outbreak in a Belgian hospital care unit.
- To identify the source and characteristics of the outbreak.
- To inform infection control strategies.
Main Methods:
- Case identification and epidemiological investigation.
- Laboratory confirmation using reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR).
- Viral strain characterization via electron microscopy.
Main Results:
- An outbreak of gastroenteritis involving 33 people occurred.
- The outbreak was traced to a single nursing assistant.
- The identified Norovirus strain belonged to genogroup II.
Conclusions:
- Healthcare workers can be a source of Norovirus transmission.
- Genogroup II Norovirus was responsible for this hospital outbreak.
- Effective infection control measures are crucial to prevent future outbreaks.
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