OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to see what lessons could be learnt from the suspected viral gastroenteritis outbreaks that have occurred in deployed British troops during 2002-7. METHOD: Epidemiological and laboratory data from identifiable outbreaks were reviewed, including epidemic curves and the results of PCR testing for enteropathic viruses. RESULTS: The epidemic curves of outbreaks varied predictably in accordance with the size of the population at risk and whether this population was constant or expanding. Of 11 outbreaks identified, 10 (91%) had a proven viral cause and 10 (91%) occurred in Iraq. Of 84 enteropathic viruses identified, 61 (73%) were noroviruses and these included both unknown strains and those that were common in the UK and Europe. Of the 10 viral outbreaks, 3 (30%) occurred in medical units, 5 (50%) were associated with large-scale relief in place (RiP) deployments and 5 (50%) involved >3 different viruses, which is strongly suggestive of food or water contamination. CONCLUSION: These findings can help to predict future viral gastroenteritis outbreaks and target improved prevention strategies appropriately. However, more systematic studies are now required.
OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to see what lessons could be learnt from the suspected viral gastroenteritis outbreaks that have occurred in deployed British troops during 2002-7. METHOD: Epidemiological and laboratory data from identifiable outbreaks were reviewed, including epidemic curves and the results of PCR testing for enteropathic viruses. RESULTS: The epidemic curves of outbreaks varied predictably in accordance with the size of the population at risk and whether this population was constant or expanding. Of 11 outbreaks identified, 10 (91%) had a proven viral cause and 10 (91%) occurred in Iraq. Of 84 enteropathic viruses identified, 61 (73%) were noroviruses and these included both unknown strains and those that were common in the UK and Europe. Of the 10 viral outbreaks, 3 (30%) occurred in medical units, 5 (50%) were associated with large-scale relief in place (RiP) deployments and 5 (50%) involved >3 different viruses, which is strongly suggestive of food or water contamination. CONCLUSION: These findings can help to predict future viral gastroenteritis outbreaks and target improved prevention strategies appropriately. However, more systematic studies are now required.
Authors: Nisha N Money; Ryan C Maves; Peter Sebeny; Matthew R Kasper; Mark S Riddle; Max Wu; James E Lee; David Schnabel; Robert Bowden; Edwin V Oaks; Victor Ocaña; Luis Acosta; Eduardo Gotuzzo; Claudio Lanata; Theresa Ochoa; Nicolás Aguayo; Maruja Bernal; Rina Meza; Enrique Canal; Michael Gregory; David Cepeda; Erlin Listiyaningsih; Shannon D Putnam; Sylvia Young; Adel Mansour; Isabelle Nakhla; Manal Moustafa; Khaled Hassan; John Klena; Jody Bruton; Hind Shaheen; Sami Farid; Salwa Fouad; Hanan El-Mohamady; Timothy Styles; L C D R Danny Shiau; Benjamin Espinosa; Kellie McMullen; Eva Reed; Donald Neil; Doug Searles; Remington Nevin; Annette Von Thun; Cecili Sessions Journal: BMC Public Health Date: 2011-03-04 Impact factor: 3.295
Authors: Salwa F Ahmed; John D Klena; Manal Mostafa; Jessica Dogantemur; Tracy Middleton; James Hanson; Peter J Sebeny Journal: PLoS One Date: 2012-05-11 Impact factor: 3.240