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Multistate Outbreak of Respiratory Infections Among Unaccompanied Children, June 2014-July 2014
Sara Tomczyk1, Carmen S Arriola2, Bernard Beall3
1Epidemic Intelligence Service Respiratory Diseases Branch.
Summary
An outbreak of respiratory illness among unaccompanied children was caused by Streptococcus pneumoniae serotype 5 and influenza. Vaccinations effectively prevented further transmission, highlighting the importance of immunization for public health.
Area of Science:
- Public Health
- Infectious Diseases
- Epidemiology
Background:
- Over 46,000 unaccompanied children (UC) from Central America crossed the US-Mexico border between January and July 2014.
- A multistate outbreak of acute respiratory illness affected UC aged 9-17 years in shelters and a processing center.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate and interrupt the transmission of respiratory pathogens during an outbreak among UC.
- To identify causative agents and assess the effectiveness of interventions.
Main Methods:
- Medical chart review for hospitalized UC.
- Interviews and specimen collection (nasopharyngeal/oropharyngeal swabs) from non-hospitalized UC with influenza-like illness.
- Serotyping and whole-genome sequencing of Streptococcus pneumoniae isolates.
Main Results:
- Influenza viruses and Streptococcus pneumoniae serotype 5 were identified as key pathogens.
- Pneumococcal serotype 5 colonization was higher in UC passing through the processing center (OR, 3.8).
- No further cases were reported following pneumococcal and influenza immunization campaigns.
Conclusions:
- The outbreak was attributed to multiple pathogens, notably Streptococcus pneumoniae serotype 5 and influenza viruses.
- Pneumococcal and influenza vaccinations were crucial in preventing further disease transmission.
- Combined vaccination strategies are recommended for future outbreak prevention efforts.
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