Most tested patients in Salaspils kindergarten outbreak confirmed with norovirus

Latvia's Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (SPKC) has confirmed that an illness outbreak at the Salaspils kindergarten "Jāņtārpiņš" was caused by norovirus. Of 51 laboratory-tested individuals, including both sick children and their contacts, 40 tested positive — 78.4% of those examined.

Since the outbreak began last week, 92 illness cases have been registered at the facility, nine of them among adults. All groups at the kindergarten have been affected. SPKC continues its epidemiological investigation and monitoring together with other involved institutions.

The Food and Veterinary Service (PVD) inspected the kindergarten's catering area immediately after being notified of the cases and found no hygiene violations. Thirteen surface swab samples were sent for laboratory testing, with results still pending.

Investigation timeline

SPKC received reports of acute intestinal infections at the kindergarten on September 23 and immediately began investigating possible links between the cases and the conditions behind the spread. The centre gave the facility's management recommendations for containing the infection, and family doctors of affected children and their contacts have also been informed.

A representative of the Children's Clinical University Hospital said that by noon on September 23, seven children from various groups at the kindergarten had sought medical help. Two of the seven tested positive for norovirus. All seven were sent home after treatment with instructions on further care.

About the illness

Norovirus infection typically causes vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain and nausea, spreading mainly through person-to-person contact or contaminated objects and food. The incubation period is usually 24-48 hours, and the illness lasts two to three days. SPKC advises frequent handwashing with soap, keeping sick children home from kindergarten, and disinfecting contaminated surfaces.