An outbreak of gastroenteritis in a home for the elderly associated with astrovirus type 1 and human calicivirus

We describe an outbreak of gastroenteritis, which lasted for 22 days in a residential home for the elderly. The outbreak was biphasic and affected 34/42 (80%) residents and 13/29 (44%) members of the staff. Calicivirus was associated with cases of illness during the first 9 days of the outbreak, and astrovirus type 1 with cases arising between days 16 to 22. Although the symptoms were generally mild, the resources required and the inconvenience caused were considerable.