An outbreak of Influenza A (H1N1) among Long-term-care Facility Patients in Taif – KSA: Challenges Faced and Lessons Learned

Omar, Sherif; Affifi, Raouf; El Raggal, Ahmed; El Bedewy, Reem

doi:10.21608/jhiph.2011.20143

An outbreak of Influenza A (H1N1) among Long-term-care Facility Patients in Taif – KSA: Challenges Faced and Lessons Learned

Document Type : Original Article

Authors

¹ Department of Tropical Health - High Institute of Public Health -University of Alexandria - Egypt

² Head, Preventive Medicine Department, Al Hada and Taif Armed Forces Hospitals, Taif-Kingdom of Saudi Arabia

³ Consultant of Tropical Health and Preventive Medicine, Prince Mansour Military Hospital, Taif - Kingdom of Saudi Arabia

⁴ Head, Long Term Care Facility, Prince Mansour Military Hospital, Taif - Kingdom of Saudi Arabia

10.21608/jhiph.2011.20143

Abstract

Objectives: To describe and analyze an outbreak of novel 2009 influenza A (H1N1) among patients of a long term care facility (LTCF) in Prince Mansour Military Hospital (PMMH), Taif - Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. Those patients were admitted to the LTCF months or years before the outbreak due to several reasons (e.g. cerebral palsy, neurological deficits due to road traffic accidents with handicapping, chronic diseases associates with old age). Methods: An observational study was done to demonstrate and analyze the epidemiological characteristics (demographic factors, risk factors, and outcomes) associated the outbreak, to elucidate prevention and control measures taken, and recommendations concluded. Results: During the period from October 28- November 11, 2010, twenty-one LTCF residents suspected clinically to be involved (fever > 38ºC with influenza like illness), their age ranged from 9 - 91 years (mean age = 46 ±24.13), 62% were males. Among them, 12 (57%) proved by RT-PCR to be influenza A (H1N1) positive. Mortality involved 2 (17%) of the A (H1N1) -lab- confirmed individuals. Implementation of the recommended infection control measures mitigated the transmission of infection to new individuals. Conclusions: The fulfillment of strict infection control measures could limit H1N1 infection among LTCF-PMMH patients. Routine influenza, including specific H1N1 immunization of all LTCF residents together with their healthcare staff should be mandatory in those settings serving immunocompromised patients.

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