Molecular epidemiology of an outbreak of human parainfluenza virus 3 among oncology patients

A hospital outbreak of human parainfluenza virus type 3 (HPIV-3) in haematologic oncology patients is described in 12 patients over a four-week period. Exposure histories and molecular analysis of HPIV-3 isolates suggest that both community-acquired and nosocomially transmitted infections occurred during this outbreak. Molecular analysis of HPIV-3 isolates indicated that a chain of transmission occurred among multiple patients in an oncology ward. This transmission was later determined to be associated with the movement of fomites, visitors, and activities in the unit. The infection prevention team stopped nosocomial spread of HPIV-3 through interventions including advanced cleaning procedures.