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: