An epidemic surge of influenza A(H3N2) virus at the end of the 2016-2017 season in Taiwan with an increased viral genetic heterogeneity

Influenza is an annually occurring infectious disease. During seasonal epidemics, typically, 5-15% of the worldwide population is infected, resulting in 3-5 million cases of severe illness and between 250,000-500,000 deaths every year around the world [1]. Currently, the influenza A(H1N1), A(H3N2) and influenza B viruses are responsible for seasonal epidemics in humans [2,3]. Among the three, the A(H3N2) viruses cause more severe illness and have a higher genetic mutation rate [4]. The A(H3N2) virus also affects the elderly, with increased hospitalization and case fatality rates reported in patients aged 65 years or older [5].
Source: Journal of Clinical Virology - Category: Virology Authors: Source Type: research