Epidemiological characters and etiological analysis of acute gastroenteritis epidemics in Xicheng district of Beijing, 2017

Abstract

Objective To analyze the epidemiological characteristics and the composition of pathogens of acute gastroenteritis in Xicheng District in 2017. Methods Every acute gastroenteritis epidemic was investigated, and stool samples of the patients and related personnels were collected to test viral agents for acute gastroenteritis. Results In 2017, 7 outbreaks and 66 clustered epidemics with a cumulative case number of 788 were investigated. The overall attack rate was 12.39%. The peak period of the epidemics was in spring and summer months from March to June. Elementary schools (68.49%) and kindergartens (28.77%) were mainly affected. The main clinical symptoms were vomiting (93.27%) and diarrhea (30.46%). The detection rate of diarrheal viruses was 71.90%, among which GII norovirus was the major pathogen (90.76%). Stealth infections were found among close contacts in 8 outbreaks, and among canteen staffs in 6 outbreaks. Conclusions GII Norovirus was the main pathogen causing acute gastroenteritis clusters and outbreaks in Xicheng district, Beijing. The incidence of epidemics was high in spring and summer months, and primary school was the key place. The health monitoring of the canteen staff and follow-up of close contracts for stealth infections were critical in controlling epidemics. Key words: Norovirus; Gastroenteritis; Epidemiologic characteristics