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Updated: Jul 17, 2026

Detection and Genogrouping of Noroviruses from Children's Stools By Taqman One-step RT-PCR
Published on: July 22, 2012
[An outbreak of giardiasis in a child day-care centre in Trondheim]
1Mattilsynet, distriktskontoret for Trondheim, Postboks 383, 2383 Brumunddal. erik.wahl@mattilsynet.no
Insights
Norway experienced its first registered giardiasis outbreak in a Trondheim child day-care centre, highlighting potential under-diagnosis of Giardia infections. The outbreak affected 44% of one section, emphasizing the need for improved hygiene practices in childcare settings.
Area of Science:
- Infectious Diseases
- Public Health
- Epidemiology
Context:
- Giardia infection prevalence is low but likely under-diagnosed in Norway.
- Child day-care centres are known hotspots for Giardiasis outbreaks globally.
- This study documents the first registered giardiasis outbreak in Norway.
Purpose:
- To report and analyze the first documented outbreak of Giardia infection in a Norwegian child day-care centre.
- To investigate the transmission routes and contributing factors of the outbreak.
- To implement and assess preventative measures.
Summary:
- An outbreak of Giardia infection occurred in a Trondheim child day-care centre between November 2003 and July 2004.
- 44% of children in one section were infected, with potential transmission linked to food preparation and hygiene practices.
- The source was not definitively identified, but inadequate hand hygiene and exposed drinking cups were implicated.
Impact:
- Highlights the potential for Giardia outbreaks in Norwegian childcare facilities.
- Underscores the importance of stringent hygiene protocols in preventing parasitic infections.
- Informs public health strategies for Giardia surveillance and control in Norway.
Background:
The prevalence of Giardia in Norway is considered to be low, but the infection is probably under-diagnosed. In other countries, child day-care centres have turned out to be major sites of Giardiasis contamination and outbreaks. We report the first giardiasis-outbreak registered in Norway.
Materials And Methods:
The outbreak occurred in a child day-care centre in Trondheim, Norway in 2004. Out of 12 microbiologically verified cases, 9 had clinical gastroenteritis. Stool samples were collected from all children and staff in the day-care centre, and from all household members of identified carriers. All carriers were treated with metronidazole and responded well to treatment. The environment of the child day-care centre was assessed, and all affected households were interviewed by telephone. Preventative measures were implemented.
Results And Interpretation:
The outbreak may have started in November 2003 and lasted until July 2004. It was limited to one of the day-care centre's five sections and 44% were infected. The source of infection was not identified, but there are several possibilities: staff who changed nappies and helped with going to the toilet also prepared and served food. Washbasin taps in kitchens and nappy-changing rooms were hand-operated. Cups used for drinking were exposed to potential contamination. These conditions are regarded as important routes for infections.
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