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Updated: Aug 15, 2026
Reverse Genetics Mediated Recovery of Infectious Murine Norovirus
Published on: June 24, 2012
Lessons learned from a norovirus outbreak in a locked pediatric inpatient psychiatric unit
David J Weber1, Emily E Sickbert-Bennett, Jan Vinjé
1Department of Hospital Epidemiology, University of North Carolina Health Care System, USA. dweber@unch.unc.edu
Abstract:
We report an outbreak of norovirus in a locked pediatric inpatient psychiatric unit with attack rates of 75% among 4 patients and 26% among 38 staff. Factors contributing to the outbreak included environmental contamination, close staff-patient contact including sharing meals, and inability to confine the index patient with the use of contact precautions.
Insights
Norovirus outbreaks can spread rapidly in pediatric psychiatric units, affecting both patients and staff. Environmental contamination and close contact were key factors in this outbreak, despite precautions.
Area of Science:
- Infectious disease epidemiology
- Public health
- Pediatric psychiatry
Background:
- Norovirus is a common cause of gastroenteritis outbreaks.
- Pediatric inpatient psychiatric units present unique challenges for infection control due to patient behaviors and close living quarters.
Purpose of the Study:
- To describe the epidemiology of a norovirus outbreak in a locked pediatric inpatient psychiatric unit.
- To identify contributing factors to the outbreak's spread.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective case-finding and analysis of an outbreak.
- Review of environmental contamination and staff-patient interaction data.
Main Results:
- The outbreak occurred in a locked pediatric psychiatric unit.
- Attack rates were 75% in patients (4/4) and 26% in staff (10/38).
- Contributing factors included environmental contamination, close contact, and challenges in isolating the index patient.
Conclusions:
- Norovirus outbreaks in pediatric psychiatric units are challenging to control.
- Enhanced infection control measures, including environmental cleaning and modified contact precautions, are crucial.
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