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An outbreak of norovirus linked to oysters in Tasmania

journal contribution
posted on 2023-05-19, 13:12 authored by Lodo, KL, Veitch, MG, Green, ML
Norovirus is the most commonly reported virus in shellfish related gastroenteritis outbreaks. In March 2013 an investigation was conducted following the receipt of reports of gastroenteritis after the consumption of oysters at private functions in Tasmania. Cases were ascertained through general practitioners, emergency departments, media releases and self-reporting. Of the 306 cases identified in Tasmania, ten faecal specimens were collected for laboratory testing and eight were positive for norovirus (GII.g). The most common symptoms were vomiting (87%), diarrhoea (85%), myalgia (82%) and fever (56%). The implicated oysters were traced to a single lease from which they were harvested and distributed locally and interstate. Nationally 525 cases were identified from Tasmania (306), Victoria (209), New South Wales (8) and Queensland (2). This report highlights the consequences of norovirus outbreaks in shellfish, even with rapid identification, trace back and removal of the implicated product from the market.

History

Publication title

Communicable diseases intelligence quarterly report

Volume

38

Pagination

E16-19

ISSN

1447-4514

Department/School

Tasmanian School of Medicine

Publisher

Health Protection Policy Branch, Office of Health Protection, Australian Government, Department of Health

Place of publication

Australia

Rights statement

copyright@health.gov.au

Repository Status

  • Restricted

Socio-economic Objectives

Clinical health not elsewhere classified

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    University Of Tasmania

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