MANAGEMENT OF A LARGE OUTBREAK CAUSED BY NOROVIRUS AND CAMPYLOBACTER JEJUNI OCCURRED IN A RURAL AREA IN TURKEY

Objective: A gastroenteritis outbreak was developed due to Campylobacter jejuni and Norovirus and affected thousands of people in Tokat province of Turkey between 29 March and 10 April 2009. In this study, we aimed to present clinical and epidemiological characteristics of this gastroenteritis outbreak, and share our experiences. Although there have been increasing number of gastroenteritis outbreaks originating especially from food and rarely from water in various countries to the best of our knowledge this was the first Norovirus and C. jejuni outbreak reported in our country. Material and Method: Patients records that had presented to the State Hospital and health centers with the complaint of gastroenteritis between 29 March and 10 April 2009 were examined retrospectively. One hundred of the patients were randomly selected, and a questionnaire was performed in which epidemiologic and clinical questions were asked. Results: 7,800 patients were presented to health centers during the time period mentioned above. Of the fecal specimens of 24 patients, 8 had C. jejuni, 11 had Norovirus. Forty-three patients (37 children and 6 adults) were hospitalized for treatment. Conclusion: Gastroenteritis outbreaks can affect numerous people simultaneously. Early and definite detection of the factor agent and source in these outbreaks is the key issue in terms of prevention and control of the outbreak. In cases of an outbreak, it is neccesary to both eliminate the source and appropriately treat the patients.