Influenza Outbreak in highly vaccinated crew aboard the USS Ardent
LCDR Sherry HayesEnvironmental Health Officer
NEPMU5619-556-5920
Total Crew exposed: approx. 102 (99% vaccinated)
Case definition: cough, nasal congestion, chills, body aches, fever 100.5 or higher
Age range: 21-43, median: 30 yo Cases that met definition: 23 (8 with fever) Cases tested:
◦ Rapid: 23 tested/ 16 positive◦ PCR: 20 tested/18 positive (19 vaccinated)
Treatment: SIQ 48 hours, 17 received Tamiflu
Case data:
Ship IDC identified outbreak and notified group medical provider
Medical provider notified NEPMU5 via phone
Cases identified/isolated/treated
Navy Health Research Center obtained swabs
Ship crew conducted thorough cleaning of all common spaces/areas/surfaces, etc.
Chain of events that minimized mission impact:
High vaccination doesn’t guarantee outbreak won’t occur- continue to educate crew on proper hygiene and cleaning of common spaces/surfaces
Identify and isolate cases early
Utilize rapid flu tests and interpret with consideration for clinical presentation
Call NEPMU5 if you suspect outbreak or unusual increase of disease
Take Away: