Last data update: May 28, 2024. (Total: 46864 publications since 2009)
Records 1-3 (of 3 Records) |
Query Trace: Kornylo K[original query] |
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Influenza outbreaks among passengers and crew on two cruise ships: a recent account of preparedness and response to an ever-present challenge
Millman AJ , Kornylo Duong K , Lafond K , Green NM , Lippold SA , Jhung MA . J Travel Med 2015 22 (5) 306-11 BACKGROUND: During spring 2014, two large influenza outbreaks occurred among cruise ship passengers and crew on trans-hemispheric itineraries. METHODS: Passenger and crew information for both ships was obtained from components of the ship medical records. Data included demographics, diagnosis of influenza-like illness (ILI) or acute respiratory illness (ARI), illness onset date, passenger cabin number, crew occupation, influenza vaccination history, and rapid influenza diagnostic test (RIDT) result, if performed. RESULTS: In total, 3.7% of passengers and 3.1% of crew on Ship A had medically attended acute respiratory illness (MAARI). On Ship B, 6.2% of passengers and 4.7% of crew had MAARI. In both outbreaks, passengers reported illness prior to the ship's departure. Influenza activity was low in the places of origin of the majority of passengers and both ships' ports of call. The median age of affected passengers on both ships was 70 years. Diagnostic testing revealed three different co-circulating influenza viruses [influenza A(H1N1)pdm09, influenza A(H3N2), and influenza B] on Ship A and one circulating influenza virus (influenza B) on Ship B. Both ships voluntarily reported the outbreaks to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and implemented outbreak response plans including isolation of sick individuals and antiviral treatment and prophylaxis. CONCLUSIONS: Influenza activity can become widespread during cruise ship outbreaks and can occur outside of traditional influenza seasons. Comprehensive outbreak prevention and control plans, including prompt antiviral treatment and prophylaxis, may mitigate the impact of influenza outbreaks on cruise ships. |
Influenza surveillance on cruise ships
Bell TR , Kornylo Duong K , Finelli L , Slaten DD . Am J Prev Med 2014 46 (3) 327-329 Acute respiratory illness, ranging from the common cold to the influenza virus, affects people worldwide. In the U.S., roughly 3000–49,000 people die annually because of complications from influenza.1 Acute respiratory illness is common among international travelers. Respiratory illness is specifically problematic on cruise ships, estimated at approximately 27% of all recorded illnesses.2 The spread of influenza on cruise ships is a particular problem for several reasons. First, the grouping of several thousand people on board for a week or more allows considerable mixing of infected and susceptible individuals. Second, itineraries often involve travel to tropical or semitropical destinations,3 where influenza may circulate year round.4 Third, crew members can be a source of continuing infection for new passenger cohorts as infections may remain on board from one cruise to the next. The popularity of cruise ship travel has been growing over the last decade. The Cruise Lines International Association reports that the average annual passenger growth from 1990 to 2010 was 7.6%.3 With passengers and crew coming together from all over the world, the potential for influenza transmission, with significant morbidity, is substantial. However, little attention has been given to routine influenza surveillance on cruise ships. |
Risk of norovirus transmission during air travel
Kornylo K , Kim DK , Widdowson MA , Turabelidze G , Averhoff FM . J Travel Med 2009 16 (5) 349-51 BACKGROUND: During October 2006, an outbreak of norovirus gastroenteritis sickened 200 (59%) of the 379 passengers and 26 (18%) of the 144 crew members on a riverboat. In November 2006, CDC was notified that a group of ill passengers had boarded a commercial flight from St Louis, Missouri, to Atlanta, Georgia. A recent study demonstrated probable norovirus transmission from eight symptomatic flight attendants to passengers on board an aircraft during an international flight; however, there are no published reports of transmission of norovirus on flights of short duration. Methods. We investigated the risk of norovirus transmission on a short flight as part of an outbreak response. Using a standardized questionnaire, we conducted interviews of passengers and flight attendants who were on the flight. We collected information on traveler demographics and illness before, during, and after the flight. We also collected information about potential onboard risk factors for norovirus transmission, such as proximity and contact with ill appearing persons during the flight, as well as use of onboard lavatories and hand hygiene. Results. We were able to complete questionnaires for 50 (56%) of the 89 passengers on the flight and 2 (67%) of the 3 flight attendants. Two (5%) of 42 possible secondary cases were identified. These two passengers neither sat in proximity to an index-case passenger during the flight nor reported use of an onboard lavatory. CONCLUSIONS: Although onboard transmission cannot be excluded, likelihood of norovirus transmission on a short flight when ill travelers do not have episodes of vomiting or diarrhea appears minimal. |
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