Epidemiology and Molecular Analysis of Norovirus Outbreaks in Ireland

It has been increasingly recognised that noroviruses (previously known as Norwalk-like viruses or small round structured viruses) are a major cause of gastroenteritis causing large outbreaks of infectious intestinal disease in a number of settings. <P>
The overall aim of the project is to carry out surveillance of norovirus outbreaks on the island of Ireland and to link available epidemiological and molecular data on norovirus outbreaks in a common database. <P>
This data will be used to review evidence for different transmission pathways e.g. person-to–person, foodborne. If food sources are suspected epidemiologically, available foods implicated in norovirus outbreaks, such as seafood will be tested for noroviruses.