Epidemiological and clinical characteristics of influenza A(H1N1)v infection in children: The first 45 cases in Cyprus, June - August 2009

Euro Surveill. 2009 Aug 20;14(33):19312. doi: 10.2807/ese.14.33.19312-en.

Abstract

Following the first imported case in a tourist in Cyprus on 2 June 2009, the influenza A(H1N1)v virus has spread on the island affecting mainly young adults and children. We describe here the first 45 cases in children. Fever, cough, rhinorrhoea and sore throat were the most common symptoms of infection. Half of the children had fever for one day or only for a few hours. Five children were hospitalised, and overall their symptoms were mild. Adherence to oseltamivir treatment was very high, with low frequency of gastrointestinal side effects such as nausea and vomiting. Camping places and summer schools played a significant role in spreading the infection among children of school age.

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Child
  • Child, Preschool
  • Communicable Diseases, Emerging / epidemiology*
  • Cyprus / epidemiology
  • Disease Outbreaks / statistics & numerical data*
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Incidence
  • Infant
  • Influenza A Virus, H1N1 Subtype*
  • Influenza, Human / diagnosis*
  • Influenza, Human / epidemiology*
  • Male
  • Population Surveillance
  • Risk Assessment
  • Risk Factors