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Updated: Jun 17, 2026

Detection and Genogrouping of Noroviruses from Children's Stools By Taqman One-step RT-PCR
Published on: July 22, 2012
Waterborne gastroenteritis outbreak at a scouting camp caused by two norovirus genogroups: GI and GII
Henriëtte L G ter Waarbeek1, Nicole H T M Dukers-Muijrers, Harry Vennema
1Department of Infectious Diseases, Public Health Service South Limburg, 6160 HA Geleen, The Netherlands. henriette.terwaarbeek@ggdzl.nl
Background:
A cross-border gastroenteritis outbreak at a scouting camp was associated with drinking water from a farmer's well.
Objectives:
A retrospective cohort study was performed to identify size and source of the outbreak, as well as other characteristics.
Study Design:
Epidemiological investigation included standardized questionnaires about sex, age, risk exposures, illness and family members. Stool and water (100mL) samples were analyzed for bacteria, viruses and parasites.
Results:
Questionnaires were returned by 84 scouts (response rate 82%), mean age of 13 years. The primary attack rate was 85% (diarrhoea and/or vomiting). Drinking water was the strongest independent risk factor showing a dose-response effect with 50%, 75%, 75%, 93% and 96% case prevalence for 0, 1, 2-3, 4-5 and >5 glasses consumed, respectively. Norovirus (GI.2 Southampton and GII.7 Leeds) was detected in 51 stool specimens (75%) from ill scouts. Water analysis showed fecal contamination, but no norovirus. The secondary attack rate was 20%.
Conclusions:
This remarkable outbreak was caused by a point-source infection with two genogroups of noroviruses most likely transmitted by drinking water from a well. Finding a dose-response relationship was striking. Specific measures to reduce the risk of waterborne diseases, outbreak investigation and a good international public health network are important.
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