Identification of Large Adenovirus Infection Outbreak at University by Multipathogen Testing, South Carolina, USA, 2022

Abstract

Using multipathogen PCR testing, we identified 195 students with adenovirus type 4 infections on a university campus in South Carolina, USA, during January-May 2022. We co-detected other respiratory viruses in 43 (22%) students. Continued surveillance of circulating viruses is needed to prevent virus infection outbreaks in congregate communities.

Keywords: COVID-19; SARS; SARS-CoV-2; South Carolina; United States; adenoviruses; coronavirus; coronavirus disease; outbreaks; public health; respiratory infections; severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2; students; universities; viruses; zoonoses.

Figure

Number of adenovirus (A) and COVID-19 (B) cases at a university campus in South Carolina in study identifying a large adenovirus infection outbreak by multipathogen testing, South Carolina, USA, January 1–May 31, 2022. Numbers above bars indicate number of cases at each weekly time point. Vertical lines between bars indicate timelines of university events affecting the outbreak. Asterisks indicate the week of university spring break, after which weekly case counts began to rapidly increase. DHEC, Department of Health and Environmental Control; SHS, student health services.