Killer Cold Virus: Adenovirus Infection (Ad14)
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Killer Cold Virus Facts
Medical Author: Melissa Conrad Stöppler, MD
Medical Editor: William C. Shiel
Jr., MD, FACP, FACR
 A rare strain of a cold virus, known as adenovirus type 14 (Ad14), has caused
severe and even fatal respiratory illness in healthy children and adults.
Infection with the virus seems to be becoming more common in the United States,
according to officials from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
(CDC). This virus is different from other adenoviruses that cause the common
cold in that it may produce an unusually severe illness requiring intensive
medical care. Although the Ad14 strain was identified in the 1950s, the variant
that was isolated in 2006 and 2007 is genetically different from the original
Ad14, suggesting that the viral genetic material has undergone mutations
(changes) that have resulted in the increased severity of infections with Ad14.
As of November 2007, four known outbreaks of Ad14 had been reported in the
U.S., beginning with the infection and death of a healthy infant in New York City
in May 2006. Subsequent outbreaks occurred in 2007 in Oregon, Texas, and
Washington state, resulting in a total of 10 deaths due to pneumonia. Overall,
141 confirmed cases of the infection occurred in these four outbreaks. The
deaths occurred in previously healthy adults and children as well as in people
with chronic conditions.
There are 51 known strains of adenovirus, a common and highly contagious
virus type that does not always cause symptoms in healthy people. In other
cases, adenoviruses may be responsible for conditions ranging from the
common
cold to conjunctivitis
(pink eye), gastrointestinal infections,
urinary tract infections,
or skin rash. It has also been associated with infections of the heart and
brain. Symptoms, if present, appear anywhere from two days to two weeks after
exposure to the virus.
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What is adenovirus infection (Ad14)?
A report in the November 16, 2007, issue of the Morbidity and Mortality
Weekly Report [MMWR 56(45):1181-1184] noted an unusual number of recent cases of
severe pneumonia and deaths caused by adenovirus serotype 14 (Ad14) infection
among civilian and military communities. Ad14 is one of the 51 serotypes of
adenoviruses.
The MMWR report was based on investigations done by state and city health
authorities, the U.S. Air Force, and CDC. The study showed that Ad14 is a rarely
reported but emerging serotype of adenovirus that can cause severe and sometimes
fatal respiratory disease in people of all ages, including healthy young adults.
However, Ad 14 infections are uncommon. Most infections from Ad14 are not
serious, and severe or fatal outcomes from Ad14 are rare. Thus, the public
should not be concerned about the emergence of Ad14.
What are the symptoms of adenovirus infection?
The viruses are a common cause of infection in humans, but they rarely cause
serious or fatal illness. Adenoviruses cause a wide range of illnesses and
symptoms, including
Since Ad14 infections are not common and most Ad14 infections are not
serious, the emergence of Ad14 should not be a concern to the general
population. During the winter, many other common viral and bacterial infections,
including influenza, can present with very similar symptoms. You should not
change the criteria you use to decide when to consult your healthcare provider.
As with any illness, you should check with your healthcare provider if you are
concerned about the seriousness of your illness. For example, you may want to
consult your doctor if you have an unusually high fever or fever that lasts more
than a few days, have shortness of breath, or are feeling worse over time.
Who is most at risk for complications from adenovirus infection?
Everyone is at risk of adenovirus infection, but patients with weak immune
systems or with underlying respiratory or cardiac disease are most at risk for
severe complications from any respiratory infection, including adenovirus
infections.
Next: How is adenovirus infection spread? »
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