An Outbreak of Respiratory Syncytial Virus in a Nursery,Tainan City, 2009

Ya-Lin Liu1、Hui-Chen Lin2、Li-Ching Chang3、Sheng-Tang Wei1、Yi-Chun Wu1

2010 Vol.26 NO.18

Correspondence Author： Ya-Lin Liu

Abstract：

An outbreak of respiratory tract infection in a nursery was reported by Hospital A in Tainan City on October 5, 2009. The Fourth Branch of Taiwan Centers for Diseases Control (Taiwan CDC) and the local health bureau initiated an outbreak investigation on October 6. Among the 36 children and 26 staff members, 35 children and 3 adults were symptomatic, 12 children were hospitalized, and one infant died on October 2. The onset of the first two symptomatic children was September 22, and the number of patients peaked on October 5. Most of the patients aged below two years. Respiratory specimens collected from 8 patients with more severe symptoms were sent to Research and Diagnostic Center of Taiwan CDC, and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) was isolated from seven specimens, while none of them was positive for influenza virus or enterovirus. Therefore, the local health bureau helped that institute to implement infection control measures, including disinfection, adequate ventilation, patients isolation, hand hygiene, and daily check-up for health status and body temperature. Staff members were required to report any suspicious outbreak and take care of the same children to avoid cross- transmission of RSV. By October 19, the epidemic had slowed down and no more severe complications or mortality was found. Lack of infection control measures, no patient isolation, and failing to notify the local health bureau in time all contributed to the outbreak.