Clinical characteristics and risk factors for children with norovirus gastroenteritis in Taiwan

Abstract Background Norovirus is a common acute gastroenteritis (AGE) pathogen across all age groups worldwide, which is difficult to differentiate from other pathogens. This study aimed to understand the clinical characteristics and risk factors of norovirus gastroenteritis among children in Taiwan. Methods A prospective AGE surveillance study was conducted in children aged ≤ 5 years who were hospitalized in 10 major hospitals in Taiwan between 2014 and 2017. The non-AGE control group included healthy children who were matched based on age, gender, season, and geographic area. Results Overall, 674 norovirus gastroenteritis patients were enrolled. Fever (p Conclusions Body temperature, stool characteristics, and CRP value can help distinguish the norovirus from other pathogens. The major risk factor of norovirus AGE is contact with AGE patient. Higher frequency of hand wash, human milk, guava, and beverage intake may be protective against norovirus gastroenteritis.