Increase in Hospital Admissions for Severe Influenza A/B among Travelers on Cruise Ships to Alaska, 2015

Emerg Infect Dis. 2018 Mar;24(3):566-568. doi: 10.3201/eid2403.171378.

Abstract

An increase in hospital admissions for influenza occurred during the summer of 2015 at an acute care facility in Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada. Investigation identified 25 patients with recent history of cruise ship travel to Alaska. All characterized influenza A viruses were A(H3N2). We describe patient treatment regimens and outcomes.

Keywords: Alaska; British Columbia; H3N2; Vancouver; cruise ships; influenza; oseltamivir; respiratory infections; travel; viruses.

Publication types

  • Historical Article

MeSH terms

  • Aged
  • Aged, 80 and over
  • Alaska / epidemiology
  • Betainfluenzavirus* / genetics
  • British Columbia / epidemiology
  • Female
  • History, 21st Century
  • Humans
  • Influenza A virus* / genetics
  • Influenza, Human / epidemiology*
  • Influenza, Human / history
  • Influenza, Human / transmission
  • Influenza, Human / virology
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Travel*
  • Travel-Related Illness*