Severe acute respiratory infection

Case definition

An acute respiratory infection with:

• history of fever or measured fever of ≥ 38 C°;
• and cough;
• with onset within the last 10 days;
• and requires hospitalization

Specimen

All cases that are identified as SARI must have a nasopharyngeal specimen taken.

A nasopharyngeal (NP) swab is the optimal upper respiratory tract specimen collection method for influenza testing. Where there is difficulty obtaining a NP specimen e.g. from infants and some older patients, an oropharyngeal specimen may be taken. For children under five years of age, a nasopharyngeal aspirate is recommended.

While all SARI cases should have a respiratory tract specimen taken up to ten days after onset of symptoms, the highest yield is obtained from a specimen taken in the first 5 days after onset of symptoms.

Laboratory

In Jamaica, specimens should be transported to the National Public Health Laboratory for processing.

Special note

ILI cases may be identified in the emergency room or health centres. An ILI becomes SARI when the patient is admitted to hospital. All SARI cases are to be reported, case investigation completed and sample taken.

SARI cases are reported from the six (6) named SARI sentinel surveillance sites. These sites are:

1. Kingston Public Hospital (KPH)
2. Bustamante Hospital for Children (BHC)
3. Cornwall Regional Hospital (CRH)
4. Mandeville Regional Hospital (MRH)
5. St. Ann’s Bay Hospital (SABH)
6. University Hospital of the West Indies (UHWI)

Source: National Surveillance Manual