Case Reports
Influenza B infection, an underestimated killer – an experience at a Tertiary care Hospital – Sri Lanka
Authors:
RA Abeysekera ,
Teaching Hospital , Peradeniya, Sri Lanka., LK
About RA
Registrar, Department of Medicine
IVB Imbulpitiya,
Teaching Hospital , Peradeniya, Sri Lanka., LK
About IVB
Registrar, Department of Medicine
S Ponnamperuma,
Teaching Hospital, Peradeniya, Sri Lanka., LK
About S
Senior Registrar Department of medicine
SAM Kularatne
Department of Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Peradeniya, Sri lanka., LK
About SAM
Professor in Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Peradeniya
Abstract
Influenza B virus causes outbreaks that are generally less extensive and are associated with less severe disease than those caused by influenza A virus. Influenza B outbreaks are generally seen in schools, military camps and elderly homes. Even though influenza B causes mild disease, severe outbreaks have also been reported and can be associated with significant morbidity and mortality. We report here an outbreak of a rare severe influenza B virus infection which started at a home causing death of one patient due to severe pneumonia and another needing ventilation due to severe myocarditis which then spread to involve the health care workers who were looking after the patient diagnosed as having influenza B. Eventually the outbreak was successfully contained preventing further spread. This illustrates the importance of having a high index of suspicion for the presence of influenza B virus infection as early initiation of treatment can prevent complications and death. It is also a reminder of the importance of taking good hygienic measures including hand washing and isolation of highly infectious patients.
DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.4038/sljid.v3i1.4473
How to Cite:
Abeysekera, R., Imbulpitiya, I., Ponnamperuma, S. and Kularatne, S., 2013. Influenza B infection, an underestimated killer – an experience at a Tertiary care Hospital – Sri Lanka. Sri Lankan Journal of Infectious Diseases, 3(1), pp.40–44. DOI: http://doi.org/10.4038/sljid.v3i1.4473
Published on
06 Feb 2013.
Peer Reviewed
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