Isolation of influenza virus type B from influenza outbreaks at two primary schools, January 2001 - Shizuoka
(IASR 2001;22:30-30)

In Shizuoka Prefecture the peak of influenza activity usually lies in between the week 3rd to 6th. However in this season, influenza activity remain at as low as 0.77 case per sentinel site. As of January 30, 2001, class closure due to influenza-like illness is reported from two primary schools and one kindergarten in jurisdiction of Shida-Haibara Health Center.

An outbreak of influenza-like illness was observed in primary school A in Yaizu City (January 17) and primary school B in Fujieda City (January 22). Gargle fluids were collected and inoculated onto MDCK cells. Influenza virus type B, which belongs to the B/Yamagata/16/88 group, was isolated from four of 11 specimens from school A and six of nine specimens from school B. The same virus was isolated from embryonated eggs. In August and December 2000, influenza virus type B belonging to the same strain was isolated in Shida-Haibara area. Antigenic linkage is being investigated.

Reported by: Keiji Sahara, Masaaki Sugieda, Hiromi Nagaoka, Masato Akiyama, Shizuoka Institute of Environment and Hygiene; Chihiro Shinomiya, Ikuko Sugiyama, Makoto Fujita, Shizuoka Prefectural Shida-Haibara Public Health and Welfare Center.

Correspondence: Keiji Sahara;
E-mail: kaneibio@hq.pref.shizuoka.jp
FAX: +81-54-245-7636

Return to the TopPage

Back to Home