Sammanfattning
In May 2005, an extensive Norovirus epidemic broke out at Aalborg Hospital. The epidemic broke out simultaneously at Aalborg Hospital North and South.
The hypothesis was that infection was most likely to have been spread by one or more ingestants.
The decision was made to follow standard procedures for the management of acute gastroenteritis and those for the prevention of infection in general.
A task force was set up to co-ordinate the intervention. The group's task was to follow development of the epidemic from day one and until such time as the special infection-prevention measures could be revoked.
Experience from previous outbreaks show that as long as infection-preventative measures are adhered to as closely as possible, an epidemic can be brought under control within 8-10 days. The co-ordinated effort of the hospital and sector management and departmental staff, the Section of Infection Control and staff management confirmed previous experiences.
On the basis of the case-control survey it was possible to conclude that the infection was related to a quark mousse desert. To all appearances, the source of the infection was Norovirus-contaminated raspberries added to the mousse.