Challenging Investigation of a Norovirus Foodborne Disease Outbreak During a Military Deployment in Central African Republic

Food Environ Virol. 2017 Dec;9(4):498-501. doi: 10.1007/s12560-017-9312-6. Epub 2017 Jul 3.

Abstract

In January 2016, a large-scale outbreak of acute gastroenteritis was reported among French armed forces deployed in the Central African Republic. Challenging investigations, conducted from France, made it possible to identify a norovirus genogroup II in both stool and food samples, confirming a norovirus foodborne disease outbreak. Infected food handler management is discussed.

Keywords: Central African Republic; Food handler; Foodborne disease outbreak; French Armed Forces; GII.2 variant; Norovirus.

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Caliciviridae Infections / epidemiology
  • Caliciviridae Infections / virology*
  • Central African Republic / epidemiology
  • Disease Outbreaks
  • Feces / virology
  • Female
  • Foodborne Diseases / epidemiology
  • Foodborne Diseases / virology*
  • Gastroenteritis / epidemiology
  • Gastroenteritis / virology*
  • Genotype
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Military Facilities
  • Military Personnel / statistics & numerical data
  • Norovirus / genetics
  • Norovirus / isolation & purification*
  • RNA, Viral / genetics
  • Workforce
  • Young Adult

Substances

  • RNA, Viral