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Response to a Norovirus Outbreak in a University Residence - the Untold Story

Response to a Norovirus Outbreak in a University Residence - the Untold Story. Brae Surgeoner, 1 Ben Chapman, 1 and Doug Powell 2 1 Food Safety Network, University of Guelph, Guelph, ON, Canada; 2 Food Safety Network, Kansas State University, Manhattan, KS, USA. Background:.

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Response to a Norovirus Outbreak in a University Residence - the Untold Story

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  1. Response to a Norovirus Outbreak in a University Residence - the Untold Story Brae Surgeoner,1 Ben Chapman,1 and Doug Powell2 1Food Safety Network, University of Guelph, Guelph, ON, Canada; 2Food Safety Network, Kansas State University, Manhattan, KS, USA

  2. Background: • CDC estimates 23 million cases of acute gastroenteritis are due to norovirus infection • ≥ 50 per cent foodborne outbreaks attributed to noroviruses • Symptoms begin approx. 24-48 hrs after exposure; can spread up to 72 hrs • Treatment = fluid & rest • Best prevention: thorough hand-washing

  3. Objectives: • To investigate adherence to hand hygiene at the peak of the investigation • To assess the impact of management’s communication efforts • To explore the factors that contributed to the duration of the outbreak

  4. Methodology • Combination of different research methodologies to provide more illuminating evidence of impact and/or effects • Observational component (n=357) • Student’s completed a self-report survey of behavior/attitudes/intentions (n=100) • Long interview component (n=6)

  5. Observation results

  6. Survey results • 64 per cent of respondents reported ALWAYS performing hand hygiene as recommended • But…only 20% of their peers ALWAYS performed hand hygiene as re • Quarantine term was used by 34 per cent of respondents, though not an official message

  7. Survey results cont’d • Of those who reported they were ill (n=37): • 48 per cent reported to health services • 21 per cent continued to attend class • 24 per cent continued to visit eateries

  8. Survey results cont’d • Social aspect of hand hygiene • Observed versus perceived impact • 7-point Likert scale (1= not at all / 7 = certainly) • Respondents uncertain if personal hand hygiene behavior influenced that of peers (mean 3.8) • And uncertain if hand hygiene behavior of peers influenced personal hand hygiene (mean 3.8) • Social & computer savvy nature of students

  9. Interview results • Rumors • Avian Influenza • WHO inspectors • Stigma of residents • Reported problems with professors • City transportation

  10. Interview results • Media inquiries focused on factors causing outbreak • Confusion over what to call the outbreak • Suspected vs. confirmed cases • Good cooperation between key outbreak personnel • Public health assumed hand sanitizer use increased

  11. Conclusions • Cost of soap vs. cost of outbreak investigation, stigmatization of students, and embarrassment to university • Evaluation differences • Strengthening social pressure toward hand hygiene may improve compliance • Establish an ‘in’ with impacted population watch what they do, listen to how they talk

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