Detection of influenza A(H1N1)pdm09 virus in a patient travelling from Shanghai to Italy in July 2018: an uncommon clinical presentation in a non-seasonal period

Influenza is one of the most common infectious diseases in travellers, especially in those returning from subtropical and tropical regions.In late June 2018 an influenza A(H1N1)pdm09 virus infection was diagnosed ina 36-years-old man, returned from a travel in Shanghai and hospitalized at the Ospedale Policlinico San Martino, Genoa, Italy, with a diagnosis of fever andan uncommon clinical presentation characterised by a persistentleukopenia.Phylogenetic analysis revealed a closeness with influenza A(H1N1)pdm09 strains circulating in the US in May-June 2018.Prompt recognition of influenza infection led to a proper case management, demonstrating the crucial role of the continuous influenza surveillance programme.
Source: Journal of Preventive Medicine and Hygiene - Category: International Medicine & Public Health Source Type: research