Real-Time Investigation of a Large Nosocomial Influenza A Outbreak Informed by Genomic Epidemiology.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Nosocomial respiratory virus outbreaks represent serious public health challenges. Rapid and precise identification of cases and tracing of transmission chains is critical to end outbreaks and to inform prevention measures.

Methods

We combined conventional surveillance with influenza A virus (IAV) genome sequencing to identify and contain a large IAV outbreak in a metropolitan healthcare system. A total of 381 individuals, including 91 inpatients and 290 healthcare workers (HCWs), were included in the investigation.

Results

During a 12-day period in early 2019, infection preventionists identified 89 HCWs and 18 inpatients as cases of influenza-like illness (ILI), using an amended definition without the requirement for fever. Sequencing of IAV genomes from a

SUBMITTER: Javaid W 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC8653627 | biostudies-literature | 2021 Dec

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature