INFLUENZA A-BRAZIL-78(H1N1) INFECTION IN THE ELDERLY

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Abstract
Using a surveillance program for detection of viral respiratory tract illness, an outbreak of influenza A/Brazil/78(H1N1) infection on 1 floor of a chronic disease hospital was documented. All 32 patients and 16 personnel on that floor were studied prospectively. Infection was proved in 11 subjects by serology and/or virus isolation, including 9 patients (median age, 84 yr) and 2 personnel (36 and 58 yr of age), for attack rates of 28% and 12.5%, respectively. Six patients had fever, 38-39.degree. C, lasting for 1-5 days (median, 4) and/or respiratory and constitutional symptoms lasting for 2-17 days (median, 13). Bacterial pneumonia occurred in 1 patient 12 days after the onset of upper respiratory tract illness. Risk factors for acquisition of infection in patients included a nonvaccinated state (P = 0.03) and a preinfection antibody titer of .ltoreq. 32 (P = 0.02). Older persons are apparently at risk for infection with influenza A/H1N1 virus. This may cause outbreaks of respiratory illness in the elderly institutionalized population similar to other influenza viruses.