CPHLN supports the following Issue groups:
- LPR - Laboratory Preparedness and Response
- WFSE - Water / Food Safety and Enterics
- Laboratory Standardization
- RCA - Reference Center Advisory
CPHLN also support the following task groups:
Norovirus Task Group
This Task Group reports to the Water and Food Borne Enterics Issue Group.
2009-2010 Co-Chairs
Federal – Tim Booth (PHAC/NML)
Provincial - Judy Isaac-Renton (British Columbia)
Background
Noroviruses, previously known as Norwalk viruses, are a group of highly infectious viruses that are commonly found in North America and cause severe gastroenteritis. Reported Norovirus outbreaks increased almost four fold between 2005 and 2008.
The Norovirus Task Group was formed in 2006 to improve diagnostic and molecular epidemiologic tools that assist in outbreak identification and control.
Mission
The purpose of the Norovirus Task Group is to: develop an integrated national network of laboratory; develop methods and processes for sharing data and information; assist in setting laboratory standards and developing laboratory protocols and policy; develop laboratory support network in public health environmental microbiology; and work with partners in developing mechanisms for alerts/real-time surveillance for Norovirus.
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