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An outbreak of type C influenza in a children's home
Insights
A type C influenza outbreak occurred in a children's residence, affecting most children and some staff. Infants under three months old were protected, and reinfection was observed in some individuals.
Area of Science:
- Virology
- Epidemiology
- Pediatrics
Background:
- Influenza C virus is a significant respiratory pathogen, particularly in pediatric populations.
- Understanding the transmission dynamics and clinical presentation of influenza C is crucial for public health interventions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate an outbreak of type C influenza in a closed community setting.
- To characterize the clinical features and identify risk factors associated with influenza C infection in children and adults.
Main Methods:
- A one-year epidemiological survey was conducted in a children's residence.
- Throat-swab specimens were collected for viral isolation and identification.
- Serological testing was performed to assess antibody titers and evidence of reinfection.
Main Results:
- Seventeen of 20 children and 2 of 9 employees developed influenza C symptoms, primarily fever and nasal discharge.
- Three infants under three months of age remained unaffected.
- Thirteen influenza C virus strains were isolated, and evidence of reinfection was detected in one child and two adults.
Conclusions:
- Influenza C can cause significant outbreaks in institutional settings, with children being highly susceptible.
- Young infants may possess natural immunity or resistance to influenza C infection.
- The study highlights the potential for reinfection with influenza C virus in both children and adults.
Abstract:
During a one-year survey of a children's residence housing 20 young children and employing 29 adults, a confirmed outbreak of type C influenza unassociated with other known respiratory infections was studied. Seventeen of 20 children and two of the nine employees studied developed symptoms, which were characterized primarily by fever and nasal discharge. The three children who did not contract the disease were all under three months of age. Thirteen strains of virus were recovered from throat-swab specimens: 12 from children and one from an adult. All isolates were identified serologically as type C influenza virus. Evidence of reinfection was found in a two-year-old child and two adults who developed increases in antibody titers; the virus was recovered from a throat-swab specimen from one of these adults.