Title:
An influenza A(H3N2) virus outbreak during the COVID-19 pandemic, Kingdom of Cambodia, 2020
Authors:
Ly Sovann, B Sar, V Kab, S Yann, M Kinzer, P Raftery, R Albalak, S Patel, P Long Hay, H Seng, S Um, S Chin, D Chau, A Khalakdina, E Karlsson, S J Olsen & J A Mott
Published:
Int J Infect Dis, 26 November 2020
Abstract:
Background: Coinciding with the COVID-19 pandemic, global influenza virus circulation decreased, possibly due to widespread community mitigation measures. Cambodia eased some COVID-19 mitigation measures in June and July 2020. On Aug 20th a cluster of respiratory illnesses among residents of a pagoda included persons that had tested positive for influenza A, and none that were positive for SARS-CoV-2.
Methods: On Aug 25, a response team deployed. Persons with influenza-like illness (ILI) were asked questions on demographics, illness, personal prevention measures, and residential arrangements. Respiratory swabs were tested for influenza and SARS-Cov-2 by RT-PCR; viruses were sequenced. Sentinel surveillance data were analyzed to assess recent trends in influenza circulation in the community.
Results: Influenza A(H3N2) viruses were identified in sentinel surveillance in Cambodia in July 2020, prior to the reported pagoda outbreak. Among the 362 pagoda residents, 73(20.2%) ILI cases were identified; 40 were tested with 33/40 (82.5%) confirmed positive for influenza A(H3N2). All 40 were negative for SARS-CoV-2. Among 73 residents with ILI, none were vaccinated against influenza, 47 (64%) clustered in 3 of 8 sleeping quarters; 20 (27%) reported often wearing a mask; 27 (36%) reported often washing hands; and 11 (15%) reported practicing social distancing. All viruses clustered within clade 3c2.A1 close to strains circulating in Australia in 2020.
Conclusions: Circulation of influenza viruses began in the community following a relaxing of national COVID-19 mitigation measures, and prior to this outbreak in a pagoda with limited social distancing. Continued surveillance and influenza vaccination remain needed to limit the impact of influenza globally.
Note from blog owner:
The Coronavirus statistics of Cambodia according to Worldometers
on Friday 11 December 2020 at 11:32 GMT:
Coronavirus: 357
Deaths: 0
Recovered: 307