[Outbreak of epidemic keratoconjunctivitis caused by human adenovirus serotype 8 in a nursing home.] / Brote de queratoconjuntivitis epidémica por adenovirus humano serotipo 8 en una residencia de mayores.

OBJECTIVE: Ocular infections caused by human adenovirus are highly contagious and can cause outbreaks, especially in nursing homes. In this work, we describe the epidemiological and analytical research as well as the control measures carried out for a conjunctivitis outbreak. METHODS: Descriptive epidemiological study. Cases with a symptom onset date prior to oficial communication were analyzed retrospectively. The rest was analyzed prospectively. Conjunctival smears were collected for microbiological study. Virological analysis was performed by detecting adenovirus by PCR and genotyping. A data questionnaire that collected clinical and epidemiological information was designed. Possible risk factors associated with infection were studied by calculating the Odds Ratio. RESULTS: On June 11, 2019, the Epidemiological Surveillance Section of the Provincial Health Department of Albacete was notified of the existence of a large number of cases of conjunctivitis in a geriatric center. 54 cases were declared: 43 internal residents, 3 day center assistants and 8 workers. Attack rates were 35.8%, 12.5% and 8.4% respectively. Three risk factors were associated with the disease: patient´s lack of autonomy, being a resident at the nursing home and having their room assigned on the first floor. Human adenovirus serotype 8 was detected in the patients' samples. CONCLUSIONS: A high attack rate was observed in internal residents and the disease was associated with patient´s lack of autonomy and having their room assigned on the first floor of the nursing home. The outbreak was caused by human adenovirus serotype 8.

OBJETIVO: Las infecciones oculares causadas por adenovirus humanos son altamente contagiosas y pueden causar brotes, especialmente en residencias de ancianos. El objetivo de este trabajo fue exponer las investigaciones epidemiológicas y analíticas realizadas para el estudio del brote de queratoconjuntivitis epidémica y las medidas establecidas para su control. METODOS: Se realizó un estudio epidemiológico descriptivo. Se analizaron de forma retrospectiva los casos con fecha de inicio de síntomas anterior a la comunicación oficial, y de forma prospectiva el resto. Se recogieron frotis conjuntivales para estudio microbiológico. El análisis virológico fue realizado mediante la detección de adenovirus por PCR y genotipado. Se diseñó un cuestionario de datos que recogía información clínica y epidemiológica. Se estudiaron posibles factores de riesgo asociados a la infección mediante el cálculo de la Odds Ratio. RESULTADOS: El 11 de junio de 2019 se notificó a la Sección de Vigilancia Epidemiológica de la Dirección Provincial de Sanidad de Albacete la existencia de un número elevado de casos de conjuntivitis en un centro geriátrico. Se declararon 54 casos: 43 entre residentes internos, 3 entre asistentes del centro de día y 8 entre personal laboral. Las tasas de ataque fueron del 35,8%, 12,5% y 8,4%, respectivamente. La falta de autonomía, el ser residente interno y estar ubicado en la primera planta fueron factores asociados a la enfermedad. Se detectó adenovirus humano serotipo 8 en las muestras correspondientes a enfermos. CONCLUSIONES: Se observó una elevada tasa de ataque en residentes internos y la enfermedad se asoció con la falta de autonomía y la localización en la primera planta. El brote fue causado por adenovirus humano serotipo 8.

[Study of a population outbreak of hepatitis A. Effectiveness of vaccination as a control measure]. / Estudio de un brote poblacional de hepatitis A. Efectividad de la vacunación como medida de control.

OBJECTIVE: To describe an outbreak of hepatitis A in the city of Albacete (Spain) and to assess the effectiveness of the control measures implemented. METHODS: When the outbreak was noted, definitions of a case were established. Clinical and epidemiological data were collected through a survey. The temporal-spatial distribution was identified through mapping and the epidemic curve. Health education and immunoglobulin (IG) administration were conducted as immediate prevention and control measures in the population at risk. RESULTS: From January 2005 to January 2006, 62 cases were reported. The most affected age groups were school children and young adults. Transmission was person to person. The epidemic curve was divided into two periods. Initial control measures consisted of hygiene measures and IG administration to contacts. In the second period, these measures were complemented with vaccination against hepatitis A in students of the school centers of the two neighborhoods initially involved. Due to public alarm and spread of the outbreak to adjacent neighborhoods, vaccination was extended to schools close to those where cases had been detected. No cases were notified after the last vaccination in January 2006. CONCLUSIONS: The use of vaccination after exposure to the hepatitis A virus in young adults and the school population seems to be an effective outbreak control measure.