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Author Spotlight: Advancements in Multiplex Detection of Respiratory Viruses
Published on: November 10, 2023
An Outbreak of Respiratory Viral Infections in a Professional Ice Hockey Team
Wilma Grönroos1, Petri Helenius1, Maarit Valtonen2
1Paavo Nurmi Centre and Unit for Health and Physical Activity, University of Turku, Turku, Finland.
Background:
Viral acute respiratory infections (ARIs) are an important cause of illness in athletes. However, their impact on ice hockey players is unclear.
Method:
We describe an outbreak of ARIs in a professional ice hockey team.
Results:
Contrary to expected influenza, the 40-day outbreak was caused by 8 different respiratory viruses, that is, 2 different influenza A viruses, human coronavirus-NL63 (HCoV-NL63), respiratory syncytial viruses (RSV) A and B, 2 different rhinoviruses, enterovirus D68, and parainfluenza type 2 virus.
Conclusion:
Only influenza A and HCoV-NL63 were possibly spread within the team thus suggesting an important contraction from the community. The burden of illness was substantial.
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