Outbreaks

Outbreaks of adenovirus infection are not common in the U.S. population. However, outbreaks that have been reported usually involve respiratory illnesses or conjunctivitis. Outbreaks are more common in late winter, spring, and early summer but can occur throughout the year.

Reported sporadic cases and outbreaks of adenovirus have included:

• Adenovirus types 3, 4 and 7, which are most commonly associated with acute respiratory disease.
• Adenovirus type 14, which since 2007 has been associated with outbreaks of acute respiratory illness among U.S. military recruits and the general public.
• Adenovirus types 8, 19, 37, 53, and 54, which can cause epidemic keratoconjunctivitis.
• Enteric adenovirus types 40 and 41, which cause gastroenteritis, usually in children.
• Some adenoviruses (e.g., 4 and 7) that spread in bodies of water such as small lakes or swimming pools without adequate chlorine and can cause outbreaks of febrile disease with conjunctivitis.

Health Professionals should

• Consider adenoviruses as possible causes of upper respiratory illness, and lower respiratory illness such as pneumonia.
• Report unusual clusters of illness (e.g., respiratory, conjunctivitis) caused by adenoviruses to the state or local health department