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Swab Sampling Method for the Detection of Human Norovirus on Surfaces
Published on: February 6, 2017
Rapid control of norovirus gastroenteritis outbreak in an acute paediatric ward
Frankie W T Cheng1, Ting F Leung, Raymond W M Lai
1Department of Paediatrics, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Prince of Wales Hospital, Shatin, Hong Kong.
Insights
Implementing strict infection control measures and contact tracing rapidly stopped a norovirus outbreak in a pediatric ward, preventing further spread. Early isolation and investigation of children with vomiting are crucial for controlling gastroenteritis.
Area of Science:
- Infectious Disease Epidemiology
- Hospital Infection Control
- Public Health
Background:
- Norovirus outbreaks pose a significant challenge in healthcare settings, particularly in pediatric wards.
- Rapid transmission and potential for nosocomial spread necessitate effective control strategies.
Purpose of the Study:
- To outline a practical action plan for controlling norovirus outbreaks in acute pediatric wards.
- To detail infection control measures implemented to terminate and prevent spread.
Main Methods:
- Implementation of strict contact precautions and prompt isolation/cohoring of symptomatic patients.
- Vigorous environmental cleaning using concentrated hypochlorite solution (1000 ppm).
- Meticulous waste handling and efficient contact tracing of exposed individuals.
Main Results:
- A norovirus gastroenteritis outbreak affecting nine children, one visitor, and one medical student was rapidly terminated within three days.
- No second wave of infection occurred following the implementation of control measures.
- Vomiting was the primary symptom observed during the outbreak.
Conclusions:
- Prompt and stringent infection control measures, including contact tracing, are effective in terminating norovirus outbreaks and preventing secondary infections.
- Proper triage, isolation, and investigation of children with unexplained vomiting or gastroenteritis exposure are essential.
- Norovirus should be considered in the differential diagnosis of acute gastroenteritis in pediatric settings.
Aim:
To provide a practical action plan for effective infection control of norovirus outbreak in acute paediatric wards.
Methods:
We report the infection control measures that were implemented to terminate and to prevent nosocomial spread of norovirus gastroenteritis in an open-designed paediatric ward.
Results:
Nine children, one visitor, and one medical student were affected in a norovirus gastroenteritis outbreak in an acute paediatric ward. Vomiting was the main presenting symptom. The outbreak was rapidly terminated three days after implementation of stringent infection control measures and there was no second wave of attack. These measures included strict contact precautions, prompt isolation and cohorting of symptomatic patients, vigorous environmental cleansing with concentrated disinfectant (hypochlorite solution 1000 ppm), meticulous handling of waste products, and efficient contact tracing of exposed patients, family members, and medical students.
Conclusion:
Prompt implementation of stringent infection control measures and contact tracing can rapidly terminate the norovirus outbreak and prevent a second wave of infection. Children with unexplained vomiting and those with contact history of gastroenteritis should be properly triaged, isolated, and investigated for possible infective causes, including norovirus-induced gastroenteritis.
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