A large A(H3N2) influenza outbreak with a high attack rate in a drug user community in Italy, April 2022. (19th January 2023)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Gori, Maria; Fappani, Clara; Bianchi, Silvia; Canuti, Marta; Colzani, Daniela; Ottogalli, Paolo; Duehren, Sarah; Tanzi, Elisabetta; Amendola, Antonella; Boschini, Antonio
• Is Part Of: Epidemiology and infection. Volume 151(2023)
• Publication Date: 2023-01-19
• Subjects: Community outbreaks -- influenza A(H3N2) -- public health; Communicable diseases -- Periodicals; Epidemiology -- Periodicals; 614.4
• DOI: 10.1017/S0950268823000055
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0950-2688

Abstract

Abstract: Despite the COVID-19 pandemic, influenza remains an important issue. Especially in community settings, influenza outbreaks can be difficult to control and can result in high attack rates. In April 2022, a large A(H3N2) influenza outbreak spread in the largest Italian drug-rehabilitation community. One hundred eighty-four individuals presented influenza-like symptoms (attack rate of 26.2%); 56% previously received the influenza vaccine. Sequence analyses highlighted a genetic drift from the vaccine strain, which may have caused the observed lack of protection.