On 20 October, the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) published a scientific report on the outcomes of a scientific workshop on foodborne viruses organised jointly by EFSA and the UK Food Standards Agency. The workshop took place earlier this year in London, and brought together academics, clinicians, veterinarians, food industry specialists and regulators with expertise in research, clinical settings and food producing/processing operations.
Against the background of an increasing number of outbreaks caused by foodborne viruses, the participants assessed the state of knowledge in this field. They focused on norovirus, the hepatitis A virus and the hepatitis E virus, which are of great public health concern in the EU. Knowledge gaps and research needs were identified and are summarised in the report.
The report (accessible at http://www.efsa.europa.eu/en/supporting/pub/1103e) by the UK’s Centre for Environment, Fisheries and Aquaculture Science (Cefas) also lists five priorities for further research.
The workshop was organised following a proposal to EFSA’s Advisory Forum by the UK in 2015. [Source: EFSA News Release, 29 October 2016. http://www.efsa.europa.eu/en/press/news/161020]
On 27 October, Health Protection Scotland (HPS) announced that there had been an increase in levels of norovirus across Scotland. Latest figures showed that NHS boards were experiencing increased norovirus activity.
Health professionals across NHS Scotland are working to reduce the likelihood of outbreaks arising. The public are also being asked to play their part in minimising the spread of the virus. Norovirus is a highly infectious virus that causes outbreaks in the community, healthcare and care settings. It is present all year round but becomes more common in the winter when people stay indoors for longer and in larger groups.
To help reduce the risk of outbreaks in hospitals, care settings and the wider community, HPS urges members of the public who think they have norovirus to stay at home until at least 48 hours after any symptoms have stopped.
As norovirus is so infectious, it is important that everyone plays their part in reducing the risk of outbreaks. To do this, hospitals may suspend access to particular wards to protect patients, staff and visitors from norovirus and to minimise disruption to healthcare services.
HPS will continue to monitor the situation and will support NHS boards as required. [Source: HPS News Release, 27 October 2016. http://www.hps.scot.nhs.uk/news/newsdetail.aspx?id=21916]
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