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RESEARCH ARTICLE

Norovirus and cruise ships

Jennifer H Lun A D , Kelly-Anne Ressler B E , Mark J Ferson B C F and Peter A White A G
+ Author Affiliations
- Author Affiliations

A School of Biotechnology and Biomolecular Sciences, Faculty of Science, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW, Australia

B Public Health Unit, South Eastern Sydney Local Health District, Randwick, NSW, Australia

C School of Public Health and Community Medicine, University of New South Wales, Kensington, NSW, Australia

D Email: j.lun@unsw.edu.au

E Email: KellyAnne.Ressler@health.nsw.gov.au

F Email: Mark.Ferson@health.nsw.gov.au

G Email: p.white@unsw.edu.au

Microbiology Australia 38(4) 187-190 https://doi.org/10.1071/MA17065
Published: 31 October 2017

Abstract

Acute gastroenteritis (AGE) is one of the most common diseases of humans in both developed and developing countries. Despite the improved safety of food handling and prevention strategies, it remains one of the most significant health burdens on society1. An estimated 1.8 million AGE-associated deaths occur annually worldwide2,3, making it the leading cause of mortality among children under the age of five years. In this article, we examine recent trends in emerging noroviruses, the ability of the virus to cause outbreaks on cruise ships and discuss the factors that influence its on-board spread.


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