2018 Outbreak of Norovirus Illness Among Wildfire Evacuation Shelter Populations, California

The Camp Fire, one of California's deadliest wildfires, began November 8, 2018 and was extinguished November 25. Approximately 1,100 evacuees from the fire sought emergency shelter. On November 10, acute gastroenteritis was reported in two evacuation shelters. Ultimately, a total of 292 patients with acute gastroenteritis were identified among 9 evacuation shelters. Norovirus was detected in 16 patient stool specimens. Shelter infection prevention control assessments revealed gaps in illness surveillance, isolation practices, cleaning, disinfection and handwashing.

Overview

Outbreak began:November 2018
Affected country:US
States/territories:CA
Pathogen:Norovirus
Vehicle(s):Person to person
Location(s):Shelter
Molecular test results:Genotype GII.4

Health impact

Total ill:292

Sources & documents

Outbreak documents