Uncontrolled nosocomial rotavirus transmission during a community outbreak

Between Jan. 11 and March 31, 1983, 60 pediatric patients were diagnosed with rotavirus gastroenteritis. Of these cases 24 were community acquired, 29 were nosocomial, and 7 were of undetermined origin. Despite intensive infection control efforts, nosocomial transmission continued as long as patients with community-acquired cases were admitted. The use of disinfectants and germicides that were ineffective against rotavirus may have contributed to the continued nosocomial spread during a community outbreak.