2003년부터 2007년까지 서울지역 집단식중독 환자에 대하여 RT-PCR을 이용하여 노로바이러스를 검출하였으며, 총 4,685건중 노로바이러스가 383건(8.2%)이 검출되었다. 식중독 발생 사례는 2003년부터 2007년까지 57사례가 발생하였다. 계절별 유행양상은 겨울철에 가장 많이 검출되었다. 섭취장소별 유행양상은 학교급식 중 위탁경영에 의한 발생이 32%로 나타났으며, 일반음식점에 의한 발생이 29%로 나타났다. 본 연구는 서울지역 노로바이러스성 식중독 관리를 위한 기초자료로 활용될 수 있을 것으로 기대된다.
Fecal specimens from acute gastroenteritis in Seoul from 2003 to 2007 were collected and then tested for the presence of Norovirus by RT-PCR. Among a total of 4,685 samples investigated, 383 samples (8.2%) were positive. The analysis of outbreaks related norovirus contamination occurred from 2003 to 2007 in Seoul revealed 57 cases happened during investigated period. Seasonal prevalence showed winter season predominant characteristics of pattern of epidemics by long term investigation for norovirus infections. The incidence of norovirus infection in the case of acute gastroenteritis by catering food in school were 32%, by food in general restaurant were 29%. This epidemiological investigation in Seoul was strongly needed for control and prevention of outbreaks related with norovirus by forecasting disease epidemics.