The presence of norovirus in shellfish is a public health concern in Europe. Here, we report the results of an investigation into a norovirus gastroenteritis outbreak following a festive lunch which affected 84 (57%) residents and staff members of a nursing home in January 2012 in France. Individuals who had eaten oysters had a significantly higher risk of developing symptoms in the following 2\b75 days than those who had not, the risk increasing with the amount eaten [relative risk 2\b72 (1\b70-4\b76) and 3\b73 (1\b76-6\b76) for 3-4 and 5-12 oysters, respectively]. In healthy individuals during those days, 29 (32%) subsequently became ill, most of whom were staff members performing activities in close contact with residents. Genogroup II noroviruses were detected in faecal samples, in a sample of uneaten oysters and in oysters from the production area. Identifying a norovirus's infectious dose may facilitate the health-related management of contaminated shellfish.
Auteur : Loury P, Le Guyader FS, Le Saux JC, Ambert Balay K, Parrot P, Hubert B
Epidemiology and Infection, 2015
