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Complexity of Influenza Outbreaks during the World Youth Day 2008 Mass Gathering and its Impact on Community Seasonal Influenza Activity

How Influenza outbreaks during mass gatherings have been rarely described, and detailed virologic assessment is lacking.

Authors:
Blyth CC, Foo H, van Hal SJ, Hurt AC, Barr IG, McPhie K, Armstrong PK, Rawlinson WD, Sheppeard V, Conaty S, Staff M, Dwyer DE

Authors notes:
Emerging Infectious Diseases 2010; 16(5): 809-15

Keywords:
influenza outbreaks, World Youth Day, 2008, mass gathering, impact on community, seasonal influenza activity, mass gatherings, virologic assessment, influenza outbreak, epideiologic data, respiratory samples, influenze-like illness, emergency clinics, sydney

Abstract:
How Influenza outbreaks during mass gatherings have been rarely described, and detailed virologic assessment is lacking. An influenza outbreak occurred during World Youth Day in Sydney, Australia, July 2008 (WYD2008). We assessed epidemiologic data and respiratory samples collected from attendees who sought treatment for influenza-like illness at emergency clinics in Sydney during this outbreak.