The Norovirus experience: An exercise in outbreak management at a tertiary referral hospital

Norovirus outbreaks in hospitals test infection control measures, outbreak management protocols and alert the hospital to the insidious nature of outbreaks and the requirement for staff to be prepared at all times. In June 2003, an outbreak of gastroenteritis associated with Norovirus occurred at a Sydney hospital. The outbreak affected patients, relatives, staff members and provided an outbreak management challenge for staff. Prompt implementation of infection control strategies was a major factor in containment of the outbreak, which lasted four weeks. This paper discusses the course of disease, measures implemented to contain the virus and impact on the organisation. These measures included isolating or cohorting symptomatic patients till they were symptom free for 48 hours. Stringent environmental cleaning and transmission based precautions were adhered to. Daily communication was maintained between Infection Control, Staff Health, Nursing Unit Managers, Senior Nurse Managers, the Executive, Public Health and other key players. Support and education on Norovirus and patient management was provided to ward staff as well as facility wide education on 'Gastroenteritis' in the weeks following the outbreak.