The national web-based outbreak rapid alert system in Norway: eight years of experience, 2006-2013.

In 2005, the Norwegian Institute of Public Health established a web-based outbreak rapid alert system called Vesuv. The system is used for mandatory outbreak alerts from municipal medical officers, healthcare institutions, and food safety authorities. As of 2013, 1426 outbreaks have been reported, involving 32913 cases.

All-time high tularaemia incidence in Norway in 2011: report from the national surveillance.

Tularaemia has mainly been a sporadic disease in Norway. In 2011, 180 persons (3.7 per 100,000 population) were diagnosed with tularaemia.

Yersinia enterocolitica outbreak associated with ready-to-eat salad mix, Norway, 2011.

In 2011, an outbreak of illness caused by Yersinia enterocolitica O:9 in Norway was linked to ready-to-eat salad mix, an unusual vehicle for this pathogen. The outbreak illustrates the need to characterize isolates of this organism, and reinforces the need for international traceback mechanisms for fresh produce.

Gastrointestinal disease outbreaks in cycling events: are preventive measures effective?

In 2009, following a bike race, a gastrointestinal illness outbreak affected many participants. A cohort study showed an attack rate of 16·3% with the main risk factor being mud splashes to the face. Considering these findings, in 2010 recommendations to participants in the bike race were issued and environmental control measures were implemented.

Outbreak of Shigella sonnei infection in Norway linked to consumption of fresh basil, October 2011.

We report a Shigella sonnei outbreak of 46 cases that occurred in Norway during October 2011. Two municipalities were involved. A large cluster (42 cases)was concentrated in north Norway, while a smallcluster (4 cases) occurred in the south-east region.