Outbreak of gastrointestinal infection in the pension of the Ministry of Health of Russia

Most of the cases were patients who were referred to the pension for rehabilitation as part of social help and after surgery on legs/hips.

Disease occurred in moderate and light clinical forms. Epidemiological investigation revealed that cause of infection was food (salads). Norovirus infection was detected in personell of canteen of the pension. Possible factors of spread of infection were bad hygiene in the food storage, improper use of kitchen equipment and inventory, violation of cocking technology, lack of personal hygiene and other problems.

The Rospotrebnadzor was not informed immediately about the outbreak, which led to late implementation of prophylactic measures.

The situation is under control of Rospotrebnadzor.