An outbreak of foodborne norovirus gastroenteritis linked to a restaurant in Melbourne, Australia, 2014
10.5365/wpsar.2017.8.1.008
- Author:
Shaun P. Coutts
;
Kaye Sturge
;
Karin Lalor
;
John A. Marshall
;
Leesa D. Bruggink
;
Nela Subasinghe
;
Marion Easton
- Publication Type:Outbreak Investigation Report
- Keywords:
norovirus;
gastroenteritis;
outbreak;
foodborne;
food handler;
case-control study
- From:
Western Pacific Surveillance and Response
2017;8(2):12-16
- CountryWHO-WPRO
- Language:English
-
Abstract:
Introduction: In May 2014 an outbreak of norovirus occurred among patrons of a restaurant in Melbourne, Australia. Investigations were conducted to identify the infectious agent, mode of transmission and source of illness, and to implement controls to prevent further transmission.
Methods: A retrospective case-control study was conducted to test the hypothesis that food served at the restaurant between 9 and 15 May 2014 was the vehicle for infection. A structured questionnaire was used to collect demographic, illness and food exposure data from study participants. To ascertain whether any food handlers had experienced gastroenteritis symptoms and were a possible source of infection, investigators contacted and interviewed staff who had worked at the restaurant between 9 and 16 May 2014.
Results: Forty-six cases (including 16 laboratory-confirmed cases of norovirus) and 49 controls were interviewed and enrolled in the study. Results of the analysis revealed a statistically significant association with illness and consumption of grain salad (OR: 21.6, 95% CI: 1.8-252.7, p = 0.015) and beetroot dip (OR: 22.4, 95% CI: 1.9-267.0, p = 0.014). An interviewed staff member who reported an onset of acute gastrointestinal illness on 12 May 2014 had prepared salads on the day of onset and the previous two days.
Discussion: The outbreak was likely caused by person-to-food-to-person transmission. The outbreak emphasizes the importance of the exclusion of symptomatic food handlers and strict hand hygiene practices in the food service industry to prevent contamination of ready-to-eat foods and the kitchen environment.
