Investigation of an outbreak of influenza in a public school . Muang, Lamphun. Day 4 - February 26, 2013.

Abstract

Epidemiology Group, Department of social medicine in Lamphun hospital was informed by a school on February 4, 2013 about 23 patients with suspected influenza cases. The objective of investigation of Mueang Lamphun Surveillance and rapid response team (SRRT) was to confirm the outbreak of disease, to find the cause of epidemic infections, to control and prevent from further disease spreading. We conducted descriptive epidemiological study, laboratory study, environmental study and analytical Case - control study Of 482 investigated patients, there were 12 - 18 years consist of 202 male (41.91%) and 280 female (58.09%). The highest incidence rate was found in grade 2 (25.63%), followed by the grade 3 (23.20%). The 2 most common symptoms were fever (100%) and cough (80.29%), respectively. The index case was female student grade 3 with an onset of high fever, cough, and sore throat on January 22, 2013 and had been ill after closed contact with family members. Nasopharyngeal swab test showed 3 cases of type A strains of the influenza virus H3. Having sick family member(s) was 12.54 times higher risk for Influenza (95% CI = 5.16 - 31.27). Health education about influenza was provided. Teachers were educated how to identify and report case to health authorities especially student who had sick family member. The Surveillance was done until the situation was resolved.