Effect of exclusion policy on the control of outbreaks of suspected viral gastroenteritis: Analysis of outbreak investigations in care homes.

Background: Norovirus is an important cause of gastroenteritis outbreaks in care homes. Differences exist in the recommended duration of exclusion for affected staff during an outbreak.

Methods: We conducted a retrospective analysis of outbreak reports in 2006 and 2007 managed by health protection staff in 2 counties with differing exclusion policies, one advising exclusion of affected staff and isolation of residents for 72 hours and the other for 48 hours after the resolution of symptoms.