OBJECTIVE To investigate and control a cluster outbreak of human adenovirus (HAdV) in the intensive care unit(ICU) of a general hospital, and to provide reference for the prevention and control of HAdV infection.

METHODS From Mar. to May 2024, the bronchoalveolar lavage fluids from suspected patients in Dazu Hospital affiliated to Chongqing Medical University were tested by targeted next-generation sequencing technology (tNGS), and the field epidemiological investigation method was used for case definitions, individual case investigations and description of the distribution. The causes were analyzed, and corresponding prevention and control measures were taken.

RESULTS From Mar. to May 2024, a total of 7 patients in the ICU of a general hospital met the case definition, all of which were hospital-acquired infections, with the incidence rate of 4.24% (7/165). The main clinical manifestations of the patients were persistent fever, cough and expectoration, increased heart rate, accompanied by respiratory failure and/or diarrhea. The seven patients exhibited a concentrated trend in time, space and population characteristics. The bronchoalveolar lavage fluid specimens were all detected as HAdV type 21 by tNGS testing. After taking targeted prevention and control measures based on the biological characteristics of adenovirus, no new adenovirus infection cases were reported until early Jun. 2024.

CONCLUSIONS This outbreak of HAI is caused by the non-prevalent type of HAdV21 in China. Strengthening the monitoring of adenovirus, isolating patients and close contacts, and taking strict disinfection and appropridate protective measures can effectively control the spread and prevalence.