Objective To identify the weak links in the control of nosocomial infection through an investigation of norovirus outbreak in the wards of senior inpatients in a hospital of Changning District, Shanghai.
Methods A field epidemiological investigation, including ward sampling, inpatient interviewing, questionnaire survey, and observing the working procedures of medical staff operation in the wards, was conducted to collect information relative to the infection outbreak.
Results There were 11 elderly inpatients and 6 nursing staff presenting the symptoms of acute gastroenteritis. The attack rate of acute gastroenteritis in the wards of senior inpatients was 11.56% (17/147). Positive norovirus genome-Ⅱ nucleic acid were identified in 10 out of 14 fecal samples by real-time polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR); fecal coliform was positive in one sample from bed rail. Through the analysis of collected data, weak links were identified in the management system of nosocomial infection, hand hygiene, staff's disinfection and quarantine knowledge, and personal protective awareness.
Conclusion The norovirus outbreak indicates that the hospital needs to improve management system and training on nosocomial infection control.
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