Hospital-based Influenza Morbidity and Mortality (HIMM) Surveillance for A/H7N9 Influenza Virus Infection in Returning Travelers
- Author:
Joon Young SONG
1
;
Ji Yun NOH
;
Jacob LEE
;
Heung Jeong WOO
;
Jin Soo LEE
;
Seong Heon WIE
;
Young Keun KIM
;
Hye Won JEONG
;
Shin Woo KIM
;
Sun Hee LEE
;
Kyung Hwa PARK
;
Seong Hui KANG
;
Sae Yoon KEE
;
Tae Hyong KIM
;
Eun Ju CHOO
;
Han Sol LEE
;
Won Suk CHOI
;
Hee Jin CHEONG
;
Woo Joo KIM
Author Information
- Publication Type:Brief Communication
- Keywords: Influenza; H7N9 Virus; Influenza-like Illness; Surveillance
- MeSH: Asian Continental Ancestry Group; China; Emergency Service, Hospital; Hong Kong; Humans; Influenza A Virus, H7N9 Subtype; Influenza, Human; Livestock; Mortality; Orthomyxoviridae; Pandemics; Seasons
- From:Journal of Korean Medical Science 2018;33(7):e49-
- CountryRepublic of Korea
- Language:English
- Abstract: Since 2013, the Hospital-based Influenza Morbidity and Mortality (HIMM) surveillance system began a H7N9 influenza surveillance scheme for returning travelers in addition to pre-existing emergency room (ER)-based influenza-like illness (ILI) surveillance and severe acute respiratory infection (SARI) surveillance. Although limited to eastern China, avian A/H7N9 influenza virus is considered to have the highest pandemic potential among currently circulating influenza viruses. During the study period between October 1st, 2013 and April 30th, 2016, 11 cases presented with ILI within seven days of travel return. These patients visited China, Hong Kong, or neighboring Southeast Asian countries, but none of them visited a livestock market. Seasonal influenza virus (54.5%, 6 among 11) was the most common cause of ILI among returning travelers, and avian A/H7N9 influenza virus was not detected during the study period.
