ABSTRACT
In 2006 there was a multiple outbreak of infectious gastroenteritis due to norovirus in health care facilities, old age nursing homes and other facilities in Hiroshima Prefecture. Also at JA Yoshida General Hospital during the period from October 3 to 17, 2006, symptoms of vomiting and diarrhea were observed in a total of 47 people including 29 in-patients in three out of six wards and 18 hospital staff members.This was reported to the public health center and an emergency meeting of the Infection Control Committee was convened. Under the guidance of the Public Health Center, the Infection Control Team (ICT) immediately had a good control over the situation, took infection preventive measures, informed patients of what had happened, and restricted hospital admissions and hospital visits. The number of new patients dropped to zero on October 17.After re-examining the gastroenteritis outbreak, the ICT reviewed the existing manual and prepared a new operation manual to cope withe future outbreaks of infectious gastroenteritis, including emergency measures to be taken, staff assignments, and improvement of the hospital environment. The ICT considers that there is a need for disseminating knowledge regarding measures against the infection and for making preparations for the future as a vanguard.