Two outbreaks of adenovirus type 8 keratoconjunctivitis with different outcome

In 1993, a case of adenovirus type 8 keratoconjunctivitis acquired in Central Europe was the starting point of an outbreak in Malmö, Sweden. Of the 33 diagnoses cases, 23 were infected nosocomially. In 29 the diagnosis was verified by virus culture. The outbreak was recognised 15 days after the appearance of the first secondary case. Nosocomial transmission was stopped by protective measures which didn't include separation of the infected patients from others. Epidemiologic investigation disclosed unrecognised infections as the main source of virus transmission; contaminated hands and a dropper bottle appeared to be major vectors. A new case of adenovirus type 8 infection, again introduced from Central Europe, turned up in September 1994. There was only one secondary case.