An Outbreak of Respiratory Viral Infections in a Professional Ice Hockey Team

Influenza Other Respir Viruses. 2024 Nov;18(11):e70041. doi: 10.1111/irv.70041.

Abstract

Background: Viral acute respiratory infections (ARIs) are an important cause of illness in athletes. However, their impact on ice hockey players is unclear.

Method: We describe an outbreak of ARIs in a professional ice hockey team.

Results: Contrary to expected influenza, the 40-day outbreak was caused by 8 different respiratory viruses, that is, 2 different influenza A viruses, human coronavirus-NL63 (HCoV-NL63), respiratory syncytial viruses (RSV) A and B, 2 different rhinoviruses, enterovirus D68, and parainfluenza type 2 virus.

Conclusion: Only influenza A and HCoV-NL63 were possibly spread within the team thus suggesting an important contraction from the community. The burden of illness was substantial.

Keywords: athlete; exercise; ice hockey; influenza; respiratory virus; sport.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Athletes
  • Coronavirus NL63, Human / isolation & purification
  • Disease Outbreaks*
  • Hockey*
  • Humans
  • Influenza A virus / genetics
  • Influenza A virus / isolation & purification
  • Influenza, Human / epidemiology
  • Influenza, Human / virology
  • Male
  • Respiratory Tract Infections* / epidemiology
  • Respiratory Tract Infections* / virology
  • Rhinovirus / genetics
  • Virus Diseases / epidemiology
  • Young Adult