Norovirus Gastroenteritis Outbreak at Primary School, Bahla, Oman, December 2024

iBackground/ii:/i Norovirus infection is one of the leading causes of acute gastroenteritis outbreaks globally, commonly in enclosed spaces like schools. Norovirus acute gastroenteritis was reported in a primary school in Bahla, Oman, in December 2024. The objectives of this study were to determine the causal agent, describe the epidemiological features, and facilitate control methods. iMethods/ii:/i A retrospective descriptive study was conducted. Data from the electronic notification system (Tarassud) was collected. Case defined as any one presented with vomiting, abdominal pain with/or loose motion, fever between December 8 and 29, 2024, reported from health centers nearby primary school, Bahla, Oman. Four cases of stool samples were tested by PCR. An epidemic curve was plotted to show transmission patterns. iResults:/i 271 cases were identified. Most cases were children aged 6–10 years (42%) and ≤5 years (26%). 56% of the cases were male. Most cases had symptoms and signs of vomiting (99.3%), followed by diarrhea (73%), and abdominal pain (92.6%). Just two cases (0.7%) required hospital admission. Norovirus Geno group II (GII) was detected in four samples. A point-source exposure was followed by secondary transmission from person to person, according to the epidemic curve. iConclusions/ii:/i Norovirus GII was confirmed in gastroenteritis cases, which had minor clinical signs and symptoms among young children. Health education, environmental disinfection, and school closure were among the quick control measures that were successfully implemented. To stop future school epidemics, surveillance must be strengthened, and strict hand hygiene and disinfection procedures must be followed.