Evidence of airborne transmission of Norwalk-like virus (NLV) in a hotel restaurant.

An outbreak of NLV gastroenteritis followed a meal in a large hotel. None of the food served was significantly associated with illness. The outbreak is consistent with airborne transmission of NLV from a subject who vomited during the meal, leading to inhalation with subsequent ingestion of virus particles by other persons in the same room. This outbreak clearly illustrates the risk to other diners posed by a subject vomiting in the same room, even when they are seated some distance away. Appropriate infection control measures to deal with airborne transmission of virus particles must be considered in these situations to prevent further cases. Epidemiology and Infection 2000;124:481-487.