2006 Outbreak of Norovirus at a School, Minnesota

Fifteen percent of the student body was absent from school on April 6 due to gastrointestinal illness, determined to be norovirus. No food item was significantly associated with illness, however two food items served on April 5 approached statistical significance. These items were celery with peanut butter and corn dogs. Students who chose the hot lunch menu on April 5 were more likely to become ill than those who chose the salad bar. Foodborne transmission was not confirmed. Nucleic acid sequencing was performed on the three laboratory confirmed cases; all sequences were identical.

Overview

Outbreak began:April 2006
Affected country:US
States/territories:MN
Pathogen:Norovirus
Vehicle(s):Unknown
Location(s):School
Molecular test results:no

Health impact

Total ill:49