Multistate Outbreak of Norwalk-like Virus Gastroenteritis Associated with a Common Caterer

摘要: In February 2000, an outbreak of gastroenteritis occurred among employees a car dealership in New York. The same meal was also supplied to 52 dealerships nationwide, and 13 states reported illness at where the banquet served. A retrospective cohort study conducted identify risk factors associated with illness. Stool samples were collected detect Norwalk-like virus, sera drawn tested for immunoglobulin antibodies strain. By univariate analysis, significantly consumption any four salads served (relative = 3.8, 95% confidence interval: 2.5, 5.6). virus detected by reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction assay 32 59 stool from eight states. Nucleotide sequences 213-base pair fragment 16 specimens cases identical, confirming common source outbreak. Two 15 workers caterer had elevated titers antigenically related This highlights value molecular techniques complement classic epidemiologic methods investigations underscores critical role food handlers spread foodborne disease virus.