An investigation of Human Metapneumovirus infection in a prison, Chiang Mai Province, Thailand, October–December 2019
Keywords:
human metapneumovirus, prison, outbreak, Chiang Mai ProvinceAbstract
Background: On 30 October 2019, Office of Disease Prevention and Control 1 was notified that there were 81 influenza–liked cases and 1 confirmed Human Metapneumovirus (HMPV) infection among inmates in a prison in Chiang Mai Province. The investigation aimed to describe characteristics of the outbreak, determine associated factors with the infection, and provide recommendations and control measures.
Methods: Descriptive study was done. We defined case definition as follows: suspected case was anyone who stayed in the prison and had at least 2 of these following symptoms: fever, cough, runny nose, and sore throat since 11 October to 3 December 2019. Confirmed case was suspected case who had specimen tested positive for HMPV by Reverse Transcription Polymerase Chain Reaction. Environmental study was done by observing and interviewing the prison officers and inmates. A case–control study was conducted to explore the associated factors to the infection.
Results: There were totally 155 cases. 154 cases were inmates (133 were male and 21 were female). Another 1 case was female inmate’s son. Attack rate among inmates and inmate’s children was 11.6%. No report of illness among prison officers. Seven cases (4.5%) were confirmed. Median age was 33.7 years (interquartile range 25.8– 39.9 years). Five cases (3.2%) developed pneumonia. Attending worship activity (AOR 3.86, 95% CI 1.68–8.83) was the associated factor to the infection. Subgroup analysis in the male wing, vocational training in well ventilated area was the protective factor (AOR 0.44, 95% CI 0.26–0.76).
Conclusion: This outbreak was confirmed HMPV infection in a prison, Chiang Mai Province, Thailand. Mass gathering event was the factor associated with the infection, on the other hand, adequate ventilated area was the protective factor. Using face masks with hand hygiene can prevent infection in overcrowded settings such in the prison.
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