An epidemiological study of Norovirus in patients with acute gastroenteritis in primary and secondary schools as well as childcare facilities

Objective To analyze the epidemiological characteristics of Norovirus infection in patients with acute gastroenteritis in primary and secondary schools as well as childcare facilities during public health emergencies in Wujin District of Jiangsu Province, and to establish a robust scientific foundation for the prevention and control strategies of this area.

Methods Anal swab samples were collected from patients with symptoms of acute gastroenteritis (n=231) and asymptomatic persons (n=95) in close contact with primary and secondary schools and childcare facilities involved in public health emergencies from November 2020 to October 2022 in Wujin District of Changzhou City. Fluorescent quantitative polymerase chain reaction (PCR) was used for the detection of Norovirus and its genotypes in anal swab specimens collected from patients.

Results In 326 samples, the positive rate of Norovirus was 45.09%(147/326). The genotype of Norovirus was mainly GⅡ type, accounting for 85.71%(126/147). The main clinical manifestation of 140 patients with Norovirus-positive acute gastroenteritis was vomiting (95.71%, 134/140), and the vomiting symptom was more serious in patients with type GⅠNorovirus infection. The positive rate of Norovirus from April to June was the highest, accounting for 59.21% (45/76). Males exhibited a higher risk of Norovirus infection, with a positive rate of 54.94%(89/162). Younger age continued to be a determining factor in susceptibility to Norovirus, with the highest positivity rate observed in infants and young children aged 0 to 6 years, accounting for 56.69%, followed by children aged 7 to 12 years (46.43%).

Conclusion Vomiting represents the primary clinical symptom observed in individuals affected by Norovirus during public health emergencies in Wujin District of Changzhou. The predominant genotype detected is Norovirus G Ⅱ, with the highest incidence occurring in the spring and winter. Males along with infants and young children aged 0 to 6 years are identified as vulnerable populations susceptible to Norovirus infection. Relevant agencies need to strengthen the surveillance and prevention of norovirus during the high incidence period.