A multistate outbreak of Norwalk virus gastroenteritis associated with consumption of commercial ice

Gastroenteritis is an inflammation of the mucous membranes that form the inner lining of the stomach and intestines. It can cause fever, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea and cramps. Viruses called Norwalk or Norwalk-like virus, which can be found in drinking water, have been reported to be the cause of many different outbreaks of gastroenteritis. It is estimated that 23 percent of all outbreaks of gastroenteritis reported to the Centers for Disease Control between 1976 and 1980 were caused by Norwalk-like viruses. This article describes an outbreak of gastroenteritis caused by consumption of commercially prepared ice. In September of 1987, gastroenteritis occurred in people attending a college football game in Philadelphia and in people attending a museum fund-raiser in Wilmington, Delaware. When of survey of 614 people who attended these events was conducted, it was found that 31 percent had become ill. Those who reported that they had eaten ice while attending the event were 12 times more likely to have diarrhea or vomiting than those who had not eaten ice. Sixty-eight percent of those tested had higher than normal levels of antibody to the Norwalk virus in their blood. The ice used at both events was supplied by a company in southeastern Pennsylvania. The wells used by the company had become contaminated during a hard rainfall that flooded a nearby creek, allowing water from the creek to enter the wells. This is the first report of gastroenteritis caused by eating commercially prepared ice contaminated with the Norwalk virus. Regulations that govern the production and distribution of ice should be reevaluated. (Consumer Summary produced by Reliance Medical Information, Inc.)