Severe acute respiratory infection caused by swine influenza virus in a child necessitating extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO), the Netherlands, October 2016.

In October 2016, a severe infection with swine influenza A(H1N1) virus of the Eurasian avian lineage occurred in a child with a previous history of eczema in the Netherlands, following contact to pigs. The patient's condition deteriorated rapidly and required life support through extracorporeal membrane oxygenation. After start of oseltamivir treatment and removal of mucus plugs, the patient fully recovered. Monitoring of more than 80 close unprotected contacts revealed no secondary cases.

[An outbreak of respiratory tract infections in an institution: combating Mycoplasma pneumoniae in mentally disabled persons]. / Een uitbraak van Mycoplasma pneumoniae in een instelling voor mensen met een verstandelijke beperking.

BACKGROUND: In October 2013, the Municipal Health Service, Rotterdam, the Netherlands, was notified of an outbreak of Mycoplasma pneumoniae infections in an institution for mentally disabled persons. CASE DESCRIPTION: A total of 58 potential infections were identified, of which 12 were confirmed in the laboratory, 5 with PCR testing on throat swabs, 3 by an increased IgM value in the serum, 2 via IgM seroconversion and 2 with an increased IgG titer in consecutive serum samples. To combat the outbreak, measures were taken in collaboration with the municipal health service. Every patient who coughed with fever or malaise was considered to be potentially infected and immediately treated with antibiotics, with as much cohort nursing as possible. The staff made every effort to explain the more stringent hand and cough hygiene measures to the residents. CONCLUSION: An outbreak of Mycoplasma pneumonia in an institution for mentally disabled persons was controlled through active disease surveillance, treatment of potential cases and hygiene measures.