Case Report: Severe Imported Influenza Infections Developed during Travel in Reunion Island

Am J Trop Med Hyg. 2017 Dec;97(6):1943-1944. doi: 10.4269/ajtmh.17-0278. Epub 2017 Sep 28.

Abstract

We report two cases of severe influenza infection imported by tourist patients from their country of origin and developed during travel. While studies have reported cases of influenza infections acquired during travel, here we examine two cases of severe influenza infection contracted in the country of origin that led to diagnosis and therapeutic problems in the destination country. No international recommendation exists concerning influenza vaccination before travel, and few countries recommend it for all travelers. Our study suggests that travel should be canceled when infectious signs are observed before departure. Influenza is a very common infection that is often benign, but sometimes very severe. The most severe cases include shock, acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS), myocarditis, rhabdomyolysis, and multiple organ failure. Management can require exceptional therapies, such as extracorporeal membrane oxygenation. A number of studies have focused on influenza infection in travelers. Cases of influenza acquired during travel have been reported in this literature, but no study has examined cases of influenza imported from the country of origin and developed while abroad. The latter situation may lead to 1) diagnostic problems during the nonepidemic season or in places where diagnostic techniques are lacking and 2) therapeutic difficulties resulting from the unavailability of techniques for the management of severe influenza infection in tourist areas. Here, we report two cases of extremely severe influenza infection imported by tourists from their country of origin and developed during travel.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Aged
  • Antiviral Agents / therapeutic use
  • Bronchoalveolar Lavage Fluid / virology
  • Female
  • France
  • Humans
  • Influenza A Virus, H1N1 Subtype
  • Influenza A Virus, H3N2 Subtype
  • Influenza Vaccines / administration & dosage
  • Influenza Vaccines / therapeutic use
  • Influenza, Human / diagnosis*
  • Influenza, Human / drug therapy*
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Oseltamivir / therapeutic use
  • Reunion
  • Travel*
  • Vaccination

Substances

  • Antiviral Agents
  • Influenza Vaccines
  • Oseltamivir