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An outbreak of Influenza A (H1N1) 2009 at Mae Fah Luang University, Chiang Rai Province, northern Thailand

Background

Since the first outbreak of a novel influenza A (H1N1) was reported in Thailand in late April 2009, new cases have gradually increased nationwide. On 2 July 2009, Mae Fah Luang University officials were notified of many suspected cases among students who sought care at the university hospital. Severe cases were referred to a district hospital and a regional hospital. On 3 July 2009, 3 positive H1N1 PCR results were reported and immediate actions were taken to investigate and control this outbreak.

Methods

At the early morning of July 3, 2009, the epidemiologist was called for the rapid increasing of the number of patients who attended at MeaFahLuangUniversityHospital, with the signs and symptoms related to the respiratory tract infection. This might been the first epidemic of the Influenza A (H1N1) virus which looks like an outbreak on the large of infected people at the same area and the same time. The investigator went to the field and conducted disease investigation and control.

On 4 July 2009, we began to investigate the outbreak by closely monitoring patients and seeking suspected cases on the University campus where 1,115 students occupied in 32 dormitories. We developed questionnaires based on MOPH ones to collect demographical and epidemiological data. Following control measures were implemented. Patients were treated with proper care (intensive care/isolated rooms). Tamiflu and influenza vaccine were stockpiled. Face masks were distributed. Housekeepers and students were provided with AVANTA® to disinfect areas of disease contamination in buildings and dormitories. Knowledge on influenza and personal hygiene were emphasized. Large social gatherings were canceled. Necessary activities were conducted in well-ventilated areas. Air conditioners were not operated. Patients and suspected cases were asked to wear face masks at all times and rest at dormitories; they were closely monitored after returning to classes.

Results

During 2-7 July 2009, 165 patients (16, 33, 36, 54, 24 and 2 cases on consecutive days) were reported with signs and symptoms related to a novel influenza A (H1N1). Major signs included fever (70.3%), cough (83.9%), muscle pain (28.9%) and diarrhea (4.2%). Mean age was 19.6 years (range 16-46 years); 68.5% were females; 58.1% and 22.9% were the 1st and 2nd year students, respectively. Most patients were students in LawSchool (16.25%) and LiberalArtsSchool (12.50%). Six severe cases were admitted at ChiangRaiRegionalHospital, PCR positive with H1N1, and administered with Tamiflu. Attack rate was 89.7/1000 population.

Discussion

Influenza A (H1N1) were rapidly transmitted in air conditioned classrooms. Urgent investigation and effective control measures could stop an outbreak within 10 days with no death reported.

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Correspondence to Tawatchai Apidechkul.

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Open Access This article is published under license to BioMed Central Ltd. This is an Open Access article is distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution 2.0 International License (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.0), which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited.

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Apidechkul, T. An outbreak of Influenza A (H1N1) 2009 at Mae Fah Luang University, Chiang Rai Province, northern Thailand. Retrovirology 7 (Suppl 1), P187 (2010). https://doi.org/10.1186/1742-4690-7-S1-P187

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1186/1742-4690-7-S1-P187

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