The Clinical and Genomic Epidemiology of Rhinovirus in Homeless Shelters—King County, Washington

Abstract

Background Rhinovirus (RV) is a common cause of respiratory illness in all people, including those experiencing homelessness. RV epidemiology in homeless shelters is unknown. Methods We analyzed data from a cross-sectional homeless shelter study in King County, Washington, October 2019-May 2021. Shelter residents or guardians aged ≥3 months reporting acute respiratory illness completed questionnaires and submitted nasal swabs. After April 1, 2020, enrollment expanded to residents and staff regardless of symptoms. Samples were tested by multiplex RT-PCR for respiratory viruses. A subset of RV-positive samples was sequenced. Results There were 1,066 RV-positive samples with RV present every month of the study period. RV was the most common virus before and during the COVID-19 pandemic (43% and 77% of virus-positive samples, respectively). Participants from family shelters had the highest prevalence of RV. Among 131 sequenced samples, 33 RV serotypes were identified with each serotype detected for ≤4 months. Conclusions RV infections persisted through community mitigation measures and was most prevalent in shelters housing families. Sequencing showed a diversity of circulating RV serotypes each detected over short periods of time. Community-based surveillance in congregate settings is important to characterize respiratory viral infections during and after the COVID-19 pandemic.

Dynamics of respiratory viruses other than SARS‐CoV‐2 during the COVID‐19 pandemic in Madrid, Spain

“…Among all the viruses examined, RV was the sole pathogen consistently detected throughout the entire period. Our findings are supported by several studies, some of which even demonstrate an increase in RV detection levels 8–10 …”

“…supported by several studies, some of which even demonstrate an increase in RV detection levels. [8][9][10] Numerous studies have assessed the impact of non-pharmaceutical interventions on the transmission of respiratory pathogens. Many of these studies concur on their effectiveness in reducing cases of respiratory diseases.…”

Human Rhinovirus as a Cause of Fever in Neonates and Young Infants During the COVID-19 Pandemic, 2020–2022

“…42 Consistent with the findings of this study, the most predominant HRV genotype was A, followed by C, [41][42][43] diverse HRV genotypes were circulating, and each genotype was detected in patients less than or equal to 4 months. 43 The proportion of severe cases was higher in patients infected with the HRV genotype A (including A101, as detected in this study) than in those infected with other HRV genotypes. 42 In addition to HRV, RSV was detected in 2 patients, although the RADT for RSV was negative.…”

Results from a test‐and‐treat study for influenza among residents of homeless shelters in King County, WA: A stepped‐wedge cluster‐randomized trial

“…Eligible individuals had mid‐turbinate nasal swabs collected (self‐collected by participants from 3/6/2020 onwards) using sterile nylon flocked swabs (Copan Diagnostics) and filled surveys providing self‐reported demographic and clinical data on an electric tablet; survey variables and shelter site data have been previously described. 10 All swabs were sent to a University of Washington (UW) laboratory for reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT‐PCR) testing. No rapid influenza molecular testing or antiviral treatment was offered at the influenza‐surveillance kiosks during the control period.…”