Real-time investigation of an influenza A(H3N2) virus outbreak in a refugee community, November 2022.

Objectives: To report epidemiological and virological results of an outbreak investigation of influenza-like illness (ILI) among refugees in Northern Italy.

Study Design: Outbreak investigation of ILI cases observed among nearly 100 refugees in Northern Italy unvaccinated for influenza.

Methods: An epidemiological investigation matched with a differential diagnosis was carried out for each sample collected from ILI cases to identify 10 viral pathogens (SARS-CoV-2, influenza virus type A and B, respiratory syncytial virus, metapneumovirus, parainfluenza viruses, rhinovirus, enterovirus, parechovirus, and adenovirus) by using specific real-time PCR assays according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) protocols.