Emergence of influenza B/Victoria in the Micronesian US-affiliated Pacific Islands, spring 2019
10.5365/wpsar.2021.12.4.706
- Author:
Stephanie A O'Connor
1
;
W. Thane Hancock
2
;
Estelle Ada
3
;
Edlen Anzures
4
;
Christine Baza
3
;
Annette L Aguon
3
;
Doriz Cruz
5
;
Eliaser Johnson
6
;
Allan J Mallari
3
;
Jill A McCready
4
;
Jack Niedenthal
4
;
Ann Pobutsky
3
;
Anne Marie Santos
3
;
Jose Villagomez Santos
7
;
Jeremy Sasamoto
7
;
Portia Tomokane
5
;
Warren Villagomez
5
;
Paul White
5
Author Information
1. Hubert Department of Global Health, Rollins School of Public Health, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, United States of America
2. Career Epidemiology Field Officer Program, Division of State and Local Readiness, Center for Preparedness and Response, United States Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA, United States of America
3. Department of Public Health and Social Services, Mangilao, Guam
4. Ministry of Health and Human Services, Majuro, Republic of the Marshall Islands
5. Public Health and Hospital Emergency Preparedness Program, Commonwealth Healthcare Corporation, Saipan, Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands
6. Department of Health and Social Affairs, Pohnpei, Federated States of Micronesia
7. Immunization Program, Commonwealth Healthcare Corporation, Saipan, Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands
- Publication Type:Journal Article
- From:
Western Pacific Surveillance and Response
2021;12(4):04-12
- CountryWHO-WPRO
- Language:English
-
Abstract:
Data collected through routine syndromic surveillance for influenza-like illness in the Micronesian United States-affiliated Pacific Islands highlighted out-of-season influenza outbreaks in the spring of 2019. This report describes the data collected through the World Health Organization’s Pacific Syndromic Surveillance System for the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands (CNMI), Guam, the Federated States of Micronesia (FSM) and the Republic of the Marshall Islands (RMI). Compared with historical data, more cases of influenza-like illness were observed in all four islands described here, with the highest number reported in Guam in week 9, CNMI and FSM in week 15, and RMI in week 19. The outbreaks predominantly affected those aged <20 years, with evidence from CNMI and RMI suggesting higher attack rates among those who were unvaccinated. Cases confirmed by laboratory testing suggested that influenza B was predominant, with 83% (99/120) of subtyped specimens classified as influenza B/Victoria during January–May 2019. These outbreaks occurred after the usual influenza season and were consistent with transmission patterns in Eastern Asia rather than those in Oceania or the United States of America, the areas typically associated with the United States-affiliated Pacific Islands due to their geographical proximity to Oceania and political affiliation with the United States of America. A plausible epidemiological route of introduction may be the high levels of international tourism from Eastern Asian countries recorded during these periods of increased influenza B/Victoria circulation. This report demonstrates the value of year-round surveillance for communicable diseases and underscores the importance of seasonal influenza vaccination, particularly among younger age groups.
- Full text:wpsar.2021.12.4.706 Oconnor - FINAL v2.pdf
