Adenovirus Outbreak in U.S. Army Trainees
Author Information
Author(s): K. Mills McNeill, F. Ridgely Benton, Susan C. Monteith, Margaret A. Tuchscherer, Joel C. Gaydos
Primary Institution: Catawba Health District, South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control
Hypothesis
Can adenovirus type 4 spread from one military training site to another?
Conclusion
Adenovirus type 4 was introduced to Fort Gordon from Fort Jackson, leading to hospitalizations among advanced training soldiers.
Supporting Evidence
- Adenovirus type 4 was isolated from 50% of 147 trainees hospitalized with ARD.
- Most introduced cases (88%) were in trainees from Fort Jackson.
- The outbreak at Fort Gordon had a lower attack rate compared to Fort Jackson.
Takeaway
Adenovirus type 4 made some soldiers sick at Fort Gordon after they trained at Fort Jackson, showing that it can spread between military bases.
Methodology
A questionnaire was used to collect data, and pharyngeal swabs were taken for virus isolation from soldiers with ARD symptoms.
Limitations
Molecular identification procedures were not available, and the study budget limited further testing.
Participant Demographics
The study included 147 advanced training soldiers, predominantly male (approximately 80%) with a median age of 19 years.
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