Food poisoning outbreak probably of viral etiology caused by Norwalk virus

• Published in: Gaceta sanitaria Vol. 5; no. 25; p. 169
• Main Authors: Arnedo Peña, A, González Morán, F, Bellido Blasco, J, Martí Canos, J V, Safont Adsuara, L, Calvo Mas, C
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: Spanish
• Published: Spain 01.07.1991
• Subjects: Adult; Child; Disease Outbreaks; Female; Foodborne Diseases - epidemiology; Gastroenteritis - epidemiology; Gastroenteritis - microbiology; Humans; Male; Middle Aged; Norwalk virus; Spain - epidemiology; Time Factors; Virus Diseases - epidemiology; Spain
• ISSN: 0213-9111

In May 1989, a foodborne outbreak of acute gastroenteritis was identified in a state school in Adzaneta, Castellón. A dtudy was undertaken to describe it, investigate its causes, and recommend adequate control measures. Sixteen children and 2 teachers were affected (attack rate: 28.57%). Kaplan and cols clinical and epidemiological criteria for Norwalk-like virus as the responsible agent were present. The probable origin of the outbreak was a foodhandler who was already ill beforehand. The examination of stools of the foodhandler and a patient showed small round structures similar to the Norwalk virus. In Spain, the number of foodborne outbreaks without known causal agent has steadily increased in recent years. It may be that this microorganism is responsible for some of these outbreaks in which, for several reasons, the causal agent cannot be identified.