A survey on the initial response of a local government to a norovirus outbreak / 日本プライマリ・ケア連合学会誌

ABSTRACT

<b>Objective</b> To interview related government officials in charge of public health and listen to their opinions about the initial response of the local government to a norovirus outbreak and the challenges faced by them with respect to an increase in the number of affected individuals and school children and students absent from school likely due to bread infected with norovirus served during school lunch.<br><b>Methods</b> An interview survey was conducted on February 24, 2014 at the Hamamatsu City Hall involving officials at the Health and General Affairs Division and the Environmental Hygiene Division.<br><b>Results</b> In order to reduce the future incidence of norovirus infections caused by school lunches, it is important to strengthen the food safety inspection by appointing persons in charge of the school lunch program and by other means. Without sufficient data in hand, it is difficult to respond properly to the mass media<br><b>Conclusion</b> School lunch suppliers must strictly adhere to conducting personal health management. Refresher workshops should be provided specifically for personnel with cooking duties to improve the level of their hygiene management. Challenges and troubles experienced thus far with respect to dealing with the media were not negligible, but in cooperation with the public relations department, efforts have been made to facilitate timely information disclosure, keeping the number of claims received to the minimum.