Outbreaks

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

Adenovirus types that are more commonly associated with sporadic cases and occasional outbreaks include:

• Adenovirus types 3, 4 and 7 are most commonly associated with acute respiratory disease.
• Since 2007, adenovirus type 14 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 can cause epidemic keratoconjunctivitis.
• Enteric adenovirus types 40 and 41 cause gastroenteritis, usually in children.
• Some adenoviruses (e.g., 4 and 7) that spread in water of swimming pools without adequate chlorine or small lakes can cause outbreaks of febrile disease with conjunctivitis.

Health Professionals should

• Consider adenoviruses as a possible cause of severe pneumonia cases and outbreaks of pneumonia of unknown etiology
• Report unusual clusters of severe respiratory disease caused by adenoviruses to the respective state or local health department

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