Investigation and reflection of a varicella outbreak on a large surface ship
10.3760/cma.j.cn311847-20210223-00063-1
- VernacularTitle:大型水面舰艇一起水痘疫情的调查分析与思考
- Author:
Haitao YU
1
;
Chenyang ZHOU
;
Wenzhu DONG
Author Information
1. 海军第九七一医院消化内科，青岛 266071
- Publication Type:Journal Article
- Keywords:
Surface ship;
Varicella;
Aerosol;
Epidemic control
- From:
Chinese journal of nautical medicine and hyperbaric medicine
2022;29(3):392-395
- CountryChina
- Language:Chinese
-
Abstract:
Objective:Through the investigation and reflection of a varicella outbreak on a large surface ship，to discuss the prevention and control strategy of infectious diseases on surface ships.Methods:Through on-site interviews and telephone inquiries，we collected the demographic data，the epidemiological history of varicella-zoster virus infection，and the vaccination record of the personnel related to a varicella outbreak on a surface ship，learned about the progress and outcome of the diseases，analyzed the epidemiological characteristics and transmission route of the incident，and discussed the prevention and control measures and their effects on the development of the outbreak.Results:All five confirmed varicella patients were effectively isolated and treated，without any complications occurred. There was no direct close contact among them，but the possibility of indirect contact by aerosol containing virus particles that may contaminate the environment cannot be excluded. There were 37 seamen who had no history of varicella or vaccination in the unit where the varicella outbreak occured. The outbreak was effectively controlled when the prevention and control measures were adopted.Conclusion:The varicella outbreak may be caused by aerosol transmission. A susceptible population is the key factor for potential outbreak of varicella. Only by making proactive prevention and control plans that are suitable for the special ship environment can the onboard outbreak of infectious diseases be effectively prevented.
