title: Outbreaks of influenza A in nursing homes in Sheffield during the 1997-1998 season: implications for diagnosis and control.
abstract: Three recent outbreaks of influenza A in nursing and residential homes in Sheffield were characterized by high attack rates among both residents and staff, and a high mortality rate among residents. The epidemiology of the outbreaks was unusual in that all three occurred towards the end of a quiet influenza season, against a generally low level of community activity, and involved strains of influenza that were not included in the current season's vaccine. The outbreak investigation was aided by the use of a novel rapid diagnostic technique. In future the combination of vaccination, surveillance, rapid diagnosis and new antineuraminidase drugs should improve prospects for control of influenza within closed communities.
authors.affiliation: Department of Public Health Medicine, Rotherham Health Authority.
authors.forename: C A
authors.initials: CA
authors.lastname: Read
authors.forename: A
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Mohsen
authors.forename: J S
authors.initials: JS
authors.lastname: Nguyen-Van-Tam
authors.forename: M
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: McKendrick
authors.forename: G
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Kudesia
mesh_terms: D000368:Aged; D004196:Disease Outbreaks / Q000517:prevention & control*; D004739:England / Q000453:epidemiology; D006801:Humans; D009980:Influenza A virus / Q000145:classification / Q000235:genetics / Q000302:isolation & purification*; D007251:Influenza, Human / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000401:mortality / Q000821:virology; D009735:Nursing Homes; D016133:Polymerase Chain Reaction; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D013045:Species Specificity; D013222:State Medicine