Analysis on norovirus gastroenteritis outbreaks in schools in Zhejiang, 2019

  Objective  To understand the epidemiological characteristics of norovirus gastroenteritis outbreaks in schools in Zhejiang province in 2019, and provide evidence for the prevention and control of norovirus gastroenteritis.

  Methods  The data of noroviruses gastroenteritis outbreaks in schools in Zhejiang from January 1 to December 31, 2019 were collected. Descriptive epidemiological methods were used to analyze the epidemiological characteristics of the outbreaks.

  Results  In 2019, a total of 173 noroviruses gastroenteritis outbreaks occurred in 170 schools in Zhejiang, causing 3 172 cases and affecting 161 711 persons, with an attack rate of 1.96% (3 172/161 711). Most outbreaks occurred in primary schools (53.18%) and child care settings (27.16%). The cases mainly occurred in children aged 7–12 years (47.95%). The outbreaks occurred in spring, autumn and winter. The majority of outbreaks (94.80%) were due to person-to-person transmission with less food-borne and water-borne transmissions. The clinical symptoms mainly included diarrhea and vomiting, and 121 outbreaks (69.94%) were caused by norovirus GⅡ.

  Conclusion  Noroviruses gastroenteritis outbreaks mainly occurred in primary schools and child care settings in Zhejiang, and the predominant transmission route was person-to-person transmission. Schools should pay more attention to the standardized disposal of excrement/vomitus of the cases and environmental disinfection.