scholarly journals A food-borne outbreak of hepatitis A virus (HAV) infection in a secondary school in Upper Normandy, France, in November 2006

2008 ◽  
Vol 13 (22) ◽  
Author(s):  
N G Schwarz ◽  
M Revillion ◽  
A M Roque-Afonso ◽  
E Dussaix ◽  
M Giraud ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Secondary School ◽  
Hepatitis A ◽  
Hepatitis A Virus ◽  
Control Measures ◽  
Secondary Case ◽  
Primary Case ◽  
District Health ◽  
Source Of Infection ◽  
Food Borne ◽  
Identical Type

In November 2006, six symptomatic cases of hepatitis A in pupils of a secondary school in Upper Normandy, France, were reported to the district health service. This paper describes the outbreak investigation undertaken with the aim to identify the vehicle and source of infection, implement control measures and estimate the size of the outbreak. A primary case at the secondary school was defined as a pupil or a member of the staff with IgM anti-HAV detected in the serum and with onset of symptoms between 12 and 21 November 2006; a secondary case was defined as a contact to a primary case and who developed symptoms and had IgM anti-HAV two to seven weeks later. We performed a case control study of primary cases, controls being pupils visiting the same school (cases/controls 1:4) and inspected the canteen facilities. All 13 canteen employees were examined for anti-HAV IgM antibodies. A phylogenetic analysis of HAV of cases was performed. We identified 10 primary and 5 secondary cases. Among primary cases 90% reported eating liver pate at the canteen compared to 62% among controls (OR 5.5, 95% CI 0.62-256.9).One liver pate sample contained markers of faecal contamination. HAV genotypes were of one identical type. All 13 canteen employees were negative for IgM anti-HAV while four had anti-HAV total antibodies. We found deficiencies regarding food preparing procedures and insufficient hand washing facilities. The vehicle of the outbreak was believed to be the liver pate but the source of HAV could not be identified. Insufficient facilities in the canteen hindered staff from maintaining a high hygiene standard and were subsequently improved.

scholarly journals Contamination of Foods by Food Handlers: Experiments on Hepatitis A Virus Transfer to Food and Its Interruption

2000 ◽  
Vol 66 (7) ◽  
pp. 2759-2763 ◽  
Author(s):  
S. Bidawid ◽  
J. M. Farber ◽  
S. A. Sattar
Keyword(s):  
Hepatitis A ◽  
Infectious Virus ◽  
Hepatitis A Virus ◽  
Infectious Hepatitis ◽  
Topical Agent ◽  
Food Handlers ◽  
Virus Removal ◽  
Virus Transfer ◽  
Food Borne ◽  
Water Rinsing

ABSTRACT Hepatitis A virus (HAV) is an important pathogen which has been responsible for many food-borne outbreaks. HAV-excreting food handlers, especially those with poor hygienic practices, can contaminate the foods which they handle. Consumption of such foods without further processing has been known to result in cases of infectious hepatitis. Since quantitative data on virus transfer during contact of hands with foods is not available, we investigated the transfer of HAV from artificially contaminated fingerpads of adult volunteers to pieces of fresh lettuce. Touching the lettuce with artificially contaminated fingerpads for 10 s at a pressure of 0.2 to 0.4 kg/cm2resulted in transfer of 9.2% � 0.9% of the infectious virus. The pretreatments tested to interrupt virus transfer from contaminated fingerpads included (i) hard-water rinsing and towel drying, (ii) application of a domestic or commercial topical agent followed by water rinsing and towel drying, and (iii) exposure to a hand gel containing 62% ethanol or 75% liquid ethanol without water rinsing or towel drying. When the fingerpads were treated with the topical agents or alcohol before the lettuce was touched, the amount of infectious virus transferred to lettuce was reduced from 9.2% to between 0.3 and 0.6% (depending on the topical agent used), which was a reduction in virus transfer of up to 30-fold. Surprisingly, no virus transfer to lettuce was detected when the fingerpads were rinsed with water alone before the lettuce was touched. However, additional experiments with water rinsing in which smaller volumes of water were used (1 ml instead of 15 ml) showed that the rate of virus transfer to lettuce was 0.3% � 0.1%. The variability in virus transfer rates following water rinsing may indicate that the volume of water at least in part influences virus removal from the fingerpads differently, a possibility which should be investigated further. This study provided novel information concerning the rate of virus transfer to foods and a model for investigating the transfer of viral and other food-borne pathogens from contaminated hands to foods, as well as techniques for interrupting such transfer to improve food safety.

scholarly journals Outbreak investigation of Cholera in Shantinagar VDC of Ilam District in Eastern Nepal

2013 ◽  
Vol 2 (3) ◽  
pp. 87-90
Author(s):  
RB Rayamajhi ◽  
G Pokharel ◽  
G Sharma ◽  
B Neupane ◽  
VK Khanal ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Vibrio Cholerae ◽  
Causative Agent ◽  
Water Samples ◽  
Group Discussion ◽  
Control Measures ◽  
Water Tank ◽  
District Health ◽  
Source Of Infection ◽  
Local Residents ◽  
Stool Analysis

INTRODUCTION: In 2012 August, suspected cases of Cholera in increased number were reported to the district health office of Ilam by the in charge of Shantinagar health post asking for intervention to stop further occurrences. The aim of the investigation was to identify the possible source of infection, the causative agent and the application of local control measures for prevention of further recurrences. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Focus group discussion and Key informant survey were conducted to assess the sanitary hygiene and practices along with source of drinking water for probable cause of diarrhea. Similarly, face to face interview was done among the sick and healthy local residents to collect the demographic and clinical details. Ten stool and water samples were sent for analysis in Biratnagar, Dharan. RESULTS: 150 local residents had suffered from diarrhea with no deaths. People of all the age group were affected with children being more sufferers. Six of the stool analysis and eight of the water samples were positive for Vibrio Cholerae. It was also observed that sanitary hygiene and practices wasn’t adequate after nose and bottoms cleaning of the children and before preparing the meal. CONCLUSIONS: Lack of adequate cleanliness of the common water tank was found to be the culprit behind the incident and Vibrio Cholerae being the causative agent. Local residents and water management committee were demonstrated the technique of chlorination of water and proper hand washing practices to prevent further recurrences. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/ijim.v2i3.8666 Int J Infect Microbiol 2013;2(3):87-90

scholarly journals Hepatitis A outbreak involving bread.

1991 ◽  
Vol 106 (1) ◽  
pp. 199-202 ◽  
Author(s):  
A. R. E Warburton ◽  
T. G. Wreghitt ◽  
A. Rampling ◽  
R. Buttery ◽  
K. N. Ward ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Hepatitis A ◽  
Hepatitis A Virus ◽  
Skin Lesions ◽  
Late Spring ◽  
Control Measures ◽  
Infectious Agents ◽  
Disposable Gloves

SUMMARYAn outbreak of hepatitis A involved more than 50 residents of a group of villages in the late spring and summer of 1989. The only food that was common to all the laboratory-confirmed cases was bread, purchased either unwrapped or as rolls, sandwiches or filled rolls, and supplied either directly from one shop or indirectly through its subsidiary outlets. It was concluded that this bread was the most likely vehicle of transmission of the hepatitis A virus and that the bread was contaminated by soiled hands which were inadequately washed because of painful skin lesions. Comprehensive control measures were successful in limiting further spread of the infection. This outbreak highlights the transmissibility of hepatitis A virus on food. The use of disposable gloves when handling food which is to be consumed without further cooking would prevent transmission of this or other infectious agents by this route.

scholarly journals Ongoing hepatitis A outbreak in Europe 2013 to 2014: imported berry mix cake suspected to be the source of infection in Norway

2014 ◽  
Vol 19 (15) ◽  
Author(s):  
B Guzman-Herrador ◽  
L Jensvoll ◽  
M Einöder-Moreno ◽  
H Lange ◽  
S Myking ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
European Country ◽  
Virus Strain ◽  
Hepatitis A ◽  
Hepatitis A Virus ◽  
Source Of Infection

On 7 March 2014, an increase in hepatitis A virus (HAV) infections was identified in Norway. As of 12 April, 19 cases of HAV infection with a virus strain identical to an ongoing European outbreak have been identified. Six probable cases are currently under investigation. On 11 April, a frozen berry mix cake imported from another European country was found as the likely source of the outbreak; the importer has withdrawn the product in Norway.

scholarly journals Development of Methods To Detect “Norwalk-Like Viruses” (NLVs) and Hepatitis A Virus in Delicatessen Foods: Application to a Food-Borne NLV Outbreak

2000 ◽  
Vol 66 (1) ◽  
pp. 213-218 ◽  
Author(s):  
Kellogg J. Schwab ◽  
Frederick H. Neill ◽  
Rebecca L. Fankhauser ◽  
Nicholas A. Daniels ◽  
Stephan S. Monroe ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Hepatitis A ◽  
Hepatitis A Virus ◽  
Internal Standard ◽  
Food Samples ◽  
Viral Rna ◽  
Norwalk Virus ◽  
Specific Primers ◽  
Food Borne ◽  
Common Causes ◽  
Food Borne Illness

ABSTRACT “Norwalk-like viruses” (NLVs) and hepatitis A virus (HAV) are the most common causes of virus-mediated food-borne illness. Epidemiological investigations of outbreaks associated with these viruses have been hindered by the lack of available methods for the detection of NLVs and HAV in foodstuffs. Although reverse transcription (RT)-PCR methods have been useful in detecting NLVs and HAV in bivalve mollusks implicated in outbreaks, to date such methods have not been available for other foods. To address this need, we developed a method to detect NLVs and HAV recovered from food samples. The method involves washing of food samples with a guanidinium-phenol-based reagent, extraction with chloroform, and precipitation in isopropanol. Recovered viral RNA is amplified with HAV- or NLV-specific primers in RT-PCRs, using a viral RNA internal standard control to identify potential sample inhibition. By this method, 10 to 100 PCR units (estimated to be equivalent to 102 to 103 viral genome copies) of HAV and Norwalk virus seeded onto ham, turkey, and roast beef were detected. The method was applied to food samples implicated in an NLV-associated outbreak at a university cafeteria. Sliced deli ham was positive for a genogroup II NLV as determined by using both polymerase- and capsid-specific primers and probes. Sequence analysis of the PCR-amplified capsid region of the genome indicated that the sequence was identical to the sequence from virus detected in the stools of ill students. The developed method is rapid, simple, and efficient.

scholarly journals RECENT CHANGES OF HEPATITIS A EPIDEMIOLOGY IN RUSSIA AND EUROPE AS THE RATIONALES FOR PREVENTION STRATEGIES

2012 ◽  
Vol 17 (3) ◽  
pp. 28-34
Author(s):  
V. P. Chulanov ◽  
N. N. Pimenov ◽  
I. V. Karandashova ◽  
S. V. Komarova
Keyword(s):  
Hepatitis A ◽  
Hepatitis A Virus ◽  
Molecular Genetic ◽  
Critical Role ◽  
Herd Immunity ◽  
Age Groups ◽  
Control Measures ◽  
Prevention Strategies ◽  
Molecular Genetic Diversity

The article describes results of the analysis of incidence rate of hepatitis A in Russia and 29 European countries over the period 2001 to 2008. The characteristic of hepatitis A outbreaks as well as molecular genetic diversity of hepatitis A virus in Russia and Europe has been compared. The authors analyze the state of herd immunity to hepatitis A virus in population of the territories of countries mentioned above. The results of seroprevalence study of hepatitis A virus among different age groups in Moscow are presented. The critical role of hepatitis A vaccination in the system of prevention and disease control measures is emphasized.

scholarly journals Investigation of a Limited but Explosive COVID-19 Outbreak in a German Secondary School

Viruses ◽  
2022 ◽  
Vol 14 (1) ◽  
pp. 87
Author(s):  
Sigrid Baumgarte ◽  
Felix Hartkopf ◽  
Martin Hölzer ◽  
Max von Kleist ◽  
Sabine Neitz ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Sequence Analysis ◽  
Secondary School ◽  
Clinical Laboratory ◽  
Primary Case ◽  
Staff Members ◽  
Source Of Infection ◽  
Potential Index ◽  
Contact Data ◽  
Spreading Rates ◽  
High Virus

The role of schools as a source of infection and driver in the coronavirus-pandemic has been controversial and is still not completely clarified. To prevent harm and disadvantages for children and adolescents, but also adults, detailed data on school outbreaks is needed, especially when talking about open schools employing evidence-based safety concepts. Here, we investigated the first significant COVID-19 school outbreak in Hamburg, Germany, after the re-opening of schools in 2020. Using clinical, laboratory, and contact data and spatial measures for epidemiological and environmental studies combined with whole-genome sequencing (WGS) analysis, we examined the causes and the course of the secondary school outbreak. The potential index case was identified by epidemiological tracking and the lessons in classrooms with presumably high virus spreading rates and further infection chains in the setting. Sequence analysis of samples detected one sample of a different virus lineage and 25 virus genomes with almost identical sequences, of which 21 showed 100% similarity. Most infections occurred in connection with two lesson units of the primary case. Likely, 31 students (12–14 years old), two staff members, and three family members were infected in the school or the typical household. Sequence analysis revealed an outbreak cluster with a single source that was epidemiologically identified as a member of the educational staff. In lesson units, two superspreading events of varying degrees with airborne transmission took place. These were influenced by several parameters including the exposure times, the use of respiratory masks while speaking and spatial or structural conditions at that time.

scholarly journals A Cross Sectional Study to Evaluate Awareness About Hepatitis A & E Among Students in Lahore

2021 ◽  
Vol 10 (3) ◽  
pp. 160-166
Author(s):  
Azka Rizvi ◽  
Naveed Ahmed ◽  
Ayesha Naeem ◽  
Waqas Saleem ◽  
Muhammad Ilyas ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Biological Sciences ◽  
Hepatitis A ◽  
Hepatitis A Virus ◽  
Hepatitis E ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Control Measures ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Awareness Campaigns ◽  
Mode Of Transmission ◽  
Prevention And Control Measures

Background: The aim and objectives of the study were to determine the knowledge, attitude and practices among biological and non-biological students regarding Hepatitis A virus (HAV) and Hepatitis E virus (HEV). Methods: The present study was conducted by the Department of Microbiology, Pakistan kidney & liver institute and research center (PKLI & RC) at University of Veterinary and Animal Sciences (UVAS), Lahore, Pakistan. The study was conducted in November, 2019 to January, 2020. A total of 326 respondents (students) participated in the present study. Respondents filled a pre-tested structured questionnaire. The variables accessed were knowledge of the diseases including etiology, mode of transmission, and prevention and control measures. Results: Most 81.56% of respondents from biological sciences (B-S) group and 51.70% from non-biological sciences (N-B-S) had awareness about HAV/HEV. Furthermore, 72.06% of respondents from BS group and 13.60% of respondents from NBS group had knowledge about the mode of transmission and spread of HAV and HEV infection. Only 16.20% of students from B-S group were aware about importance of vaccination against HAV/HEV. While a very low prevalence was found about vaccination in N-B-S group that is only 4.76%. Conclusion: The study shows significance difference in the awareness level among students from biological sciences and non-biological sciences background. Respondents were found to misunderstand the hepatitis A & E infections with hepatitis B & C, which suggests that there is need to spread awareness about the differences in their spread and severity of these infections. Awareness campaigns should be conducted to make people aware of the ways HAV/HEV spreads, its mode of transmission, severity of infection and preventive measures to minimize its spread as well as chances to acquire HAV/HEV infections.

scholarly journals Recovery and Sequence Analysis of Hepatitis A Virus from Springwater Implicated in an Outbreak of Acute Viral Hepatitis

2008 ◽  
Vol 74 (19) ◽  
pp. 6158-6160 ◽  
Author(s):  
Lindsay A. Tallon ◽  
David C. Love ◽  
Zack S. Moore ◽  
Mark D. Sobsey
Keyword(s):  
North Carolina ◽  
Hepatitis A ◽  
Acute Viral Hepatitis ◽  
Hepatitis A Virus ◽  
Control Measures ◽  
Health Prevention ◽  
Fecal Indicators ◽  
Acute Hepatitis A ◽  
Prevention And Control Measures ◽  
And Control

ABSTRACT An outbreak of acute hepatitis A virus in North Carolina was linked to drinking water from a contaminated shallow spring by phylogenetic analysis of hepatitis A virus (HAV) genomic sequences. Detection of HAV and fecal indicators in the water provided useful and timely information to assist with public health prevention and control measures.

scholarly journals Influence of observable and unobservable exposure on the patient's risk of acquiring influenza-like illness at hospital

2016 ◽  
Vol 144 (10) ◽  
pp. 2025-2030 ◽  
Author(s):  
C. PAYET ◽  
N. VOIRIN ◽  
R. ECOCHARD ◽  
P. VANHEMS
Keyword(s):  
Healthcare Workers ◽  
Credible Interval ◽  
Control Measures ◽  
Primary Case ◽  
Influenza Like Illness ◽  
Source Of Infection ◽  
Influenza Transmission ◽  
The Moment ◽  
Hospital Acquired ◽  
And Control

SUMMARYDuring outbreaks of hospital-acquired influenza-like illness (HA-ILI) healthcare workers (HCWs), patients, and visitors are each a source of infection for the other. Quantifying the effects of these various exposures will help improve prevention and control of HA-ILI outbreaks. We estimated the attributability of HA-ILI to: (1) exposure to recorded or unrecorded sources; (2) exposure to contagious patient or contagious HCW; (3) exposure during observable or unobservable contagious period of the recorded sources; and, (4) the moment of exposure. Among recorded sources, 59% [95% credible interval (CrI) 34–83] of HA-ILI of patients was associated with exposure to contagious patients and 41% (95% CrI 17–66) with exposure to contagious HCWs. Exposure during the unobservable contagiousness period of source patients accounted for 49% (95% CrI 19–75) of HA-ILI, while exposure during the unobservable contagiousness period of source HCWs accounted for 82% (95% CrI 51–99) of HA-ILI. About 80% of HA-ILIs were associated with exposure 1 day earlier. Secondary cases of HA-ILI might appear as soon as the day after the detection of a primary case highlighting the explosive nature of HA-ILI spread. Unobservable transmission was the main cause of HA-ILI transmission suggesting that symptom-based control measures alone might not prevent hospital outbreaks. The results support the rapid implementation of interventions to control influenza transmission.

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