The Epidemiology and Burden of Influenza B/Victoria and B/Yamagata Lineages in Kenya, 2012-2016.

ABSTRACT:

Background

The impact of influenza B virus circulation in Sub-Saharan Africa is not well described.

Methods

We analyzed data from acute respiratory illness (ARI) in Kenya. We assessed clinical features and age-specific hospitalization and outpatient visit rates by person-years for influenza B/Victoria and B/Yamagata and the extent to which circulating influenza B lineages in Kenya matched the vaccine strain component of the corresponding season (based on Northern Hemisphere [October-March] and Southern Hemisphere [April-September] vaccine availability).

Results

From 2012 to 2016, influenza B represented 31% of all influenza-associated ARIs detected (annual range, 13-61%). Rates of influenza B hospitalization and outpatient visits were higher for <5 vs ≥5 years. Among

SUBMITTER: Emukule GO 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC6804754 | biostudies-literature | 2019 Oct

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature