Significant reduction in norovirus outbreaks and secondary transmission of acute gastroenteritis in Seoul schools following the COVID-19 pandemic: a retrospective epidemiological study.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Unexpectedly, during the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic (2020-2022), it was reported that the number of acute gastroenteritis outbreaks (AGEOs) increased abruptly in childcare centers and kindergartens due to the increase in norovirus GII.4 transmission. However, changes in AGEOs in schools have not been reported during the same period. Therefore, this study aimed to compare the characteristics of AGEOs in schools before and after 2020.

Methods

We analyzed the results of AGEO epidemiological investigation reports in Seoul.

Results

The number of AGEO cases in schools decreased after 2020. Norovirus was identified as the causative pathogen in 10 of 11 cases in 2019, while only five cases were caused by norovirus among the 12 cases between 2020 a

SUBMITTER: Son E 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12800551 | biostudies-literature | 2025

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature