Influenza B outbreak in a primary school in Adelaide, Australia, 2011
10.5365/WPSAR.2012.3.2.004
- Author:
Flood Louise
;
Raupach Jane
;
D’Onise Katina
;
Russo Deidre
- Publication Type:Journal Article
- From:
Western Pacific Surveillance and Response
2012;3(3):76-82
- CountryWHO-WPRO
- Language:English
-
Abstract:
Introduction: This report describes a 2011 seasonal influenza B outbreak in a metropolitan primary school in Australia with 179 students. Methods: Epidemiological, microbiological and environmental investigations were undertaken. A retrospective cohort study was conducted using a questionnaire that included demographic data, details of illness, chronic health conditions and vaccination status. Influenza-like illness (ILI) was defined as fever plus cough and/or sore throat. Analysis of ILI was undertaken with the chi-squared test and Fisher’s exact test. Results: Seventy-two questionnaire respondents (75%) reported illness during the outbreak – 43 with ILI, giving an attack rate of 45%. There was no association between ILI and age or chronic lung disease. Six (6%) students were vaccinated against influenza before the outbreak; although four became ill, none satisfied the ILI case definition. Seven students were positive for influenza B including two confirmed as B/Brisbane/60/2008-like; one student was positive for rhinovirus and another for metapneumovirus. The recommended influenza vaccine matched the circulating influenza strains. Discussion: This cohort study estimated a high ILI attack rate and demonstrated low influenza vaccine coverage within the setting of a primary school. Gastrointestinal symptoms, in addition to constitutional and respiratory symptoms, were common.
