Outbreak of Acute Respiratory Illness Associated With Human Adenovirus Type 4 at the United States Coast Guard Academy, 2019.
J Infect Dis
; 225(1): 55-64, 2022 01 05.
Article
in En
| MEDLINE
| ID: mdl-34139752
ABSTRACT
BACKGROUND:
Although a human adenovirus (HAdV) vaccine is available for military use, officers-in-training are not routinely vaccinated. We describe an HAdV-associated respiratory outbreak among unvaccinated cadets at the US Coast Guard Academy and its impact on cadet training.METHODS:
We defined a case as a cadet with new onset cough or sore throat during August 1-October 4, 2019. We reviewed medical records and distributed a questionnaire to identify cases and to estimate impact on cadet training. We performed real-time polymerase chain reaction testing on patient and environmental samples and whole genome sequencing on a subset of positive patient samples.RESULTS:
Among the 1072 cadets, 378 (35%) cases were identified by medical records (nâ =â 230) or additionally by the questionnaire (nâ =â 148). Of the 230 cases identified from medical records, 138 (60%) were male and 226 (98%) had no underlying conditions. From questionnaire responses, 113 of 228 (50%) cases reported duty restrictions. Of cases with respiratory specimens, 36 of 50 (72%) were HAdV positive; all 14 sequenced specimens were HAdV-4a1. Sixteen (89%) of 18 environmental specimens from the cadet dormitory were HAdV-positive.CONCLUSIONS:
The HAdV-4-associated outbreak infected a substantial number of cadets and significantly impacted cadet training. Routine vaccination could prevent HAdV respiratory outbreaks in this population.Key words
Full text:
1
Database:
MEDLINE
Main subject:
Respiratory Tract Infections
/
Adenovirus Infections, Human
/
Adenoviruses, Human
/
Polymerase Chain Reaction
/
Adenovirus Vaccines
/
Military Personnel
Type of study:
Risk_factors_studies
Limits:
Adolescent
/
Adult
/
Female
/
Humans
/
Male
Country/Region as subject:
America do norte
Language:
En
Journal:
J Infect Dis
Year:
2022
Type:
Article
Affiliation country:
United States