Features of outbreak of influenza-like infection in 2005～2008 in Shenzhen

Objective To understand the features of outbreaks of influenza-like illness (ILI). Methods The outbreaks of ILI from 2005 to 2008 were surveyed and analyzed. Results There 282 outbreaks of ILI were reported, cumulative numbers of ILI were 3 963,with an incidence of 1.9% and 83.0% of the ILI focused on from March to June, 86.9% occurred in primary schools and high schools. There were less than 15 patients in each outbreak. There 80.5% were due to influenza virus infection. Influenza viruses.were isolated in 31.3% of the patients. Conclusion The outbreaks of Influenza-like illness are mainly due to influenza virus infection and the infections maily concentrated in the months of from March to June. Primary schools and high schools are the target for prevention and control of outbreaks of influenza in Shenzhen.