Nosocomial outbreak of influenza virus A (H3N2) infection in a solid organtransplant department

Background. There is a strong body of evidence in favor of influenza virus immunization in solid organ recipients. However, little attention has been devoted, to other reservoirs, such as the patients' relatives and, at the t ime of hospital admission, to the healthcare workers. Methods. Analysis of the epidemiology of an outbreak of nosocomial influenz a A in a solid organ transplant unit. Results. Four cases of influenza A virus infection were reported during a s hort 4-day outbreak in a 12 single-room transplant unit. None of the patien ts had been immunized against influenza. Three patients had not; been visit ed by their relatives between admission and influenza infection. Three nurs es, among the 27 healthcare workers, presented with clinical flu symptoms a t times consistent with nosocomial transmission. Conclusions. Because the prevention of influenza infection by vaccination w arrants a global strategy to target the different reservoirs, we suggest th at the modern policy of vaccinating solid organ patients should be extended both to their relatives and to the healthcare workers of transplant units.