Human Adenovirus Type 7

Human adenovirus type 7 (HAdV-7) can cause respiratory infections that are sometimes severe. In the past 10 years, severe illness from HAdV-7 has rarely been reported in the United States. However, a respiratory illness outbreak associated with HAdV-7 was reported in Oregon in 2013-2014.

2013—2014 Outbreak in Oregon

During October 2013 to July 2014, health authorities in Oregon identified 198 patients with respiratory symptoms who tested positive for adenovirus. HAdV-7 was the predominant adenovirus type identified. Many patients were hospitalized (69%), and about half of those patients (32%) were admitted to the intensive care unit.

In this community outbreak, HAdV-B7 was more often detected in adults than children, and was associated with more severe illness than other adenovirus types.

Many studies have shown that HAdV-B7 can cause severe illness in children or military recruits. Few studies have documented such a widespread community outbreak where many adults experienced severe respiratory illness.