Two Epidemiologic Patterns of Norovirus Outbreaks: Surveillance in England and Wales, 1992–2000.

From 1992–2000, the PHLS CDSC (Public Health Laboratory Service Communicable Disease Surveillance Centre) collected data on 1877 general outbreaks of Norovirus infection in England and Wales, of which 79% occurred in health-care institutions (hospitals 40% and residential-care facilities 39%). These health-care institutions exhibited a winter peak and were also associated with significantly higher death rates and prolonged duration but were smaller in size and less likely to be foodborne. The data suggests that Norovirus infections have considerable impact on the health service and the vulnerable people residing in institutions such as hospitals and residential homes. Emerging Infectious Diseases 2003;9:71-77.