The Tecumseh Study of Illness. XIV. Occurrence of respiratory viruses, 1976-1981.

During 1976-1981, surveillance of respiratory infection in Tecumseh, Michigan included isolation of respiratory viruses using methods similar to those employed in 1965-1971. As in the earlier period, influenza viruses continued to be isolated annually, but not without some changes in regularity of appearance. Parainfluenzaviruses also exhibited some marked changes in patterns of occurrence, but years of activity of parainfluenza types 1 and 2 were similar to those reported in other studies. Respiratory syncytial viruses continued to be limited in appearance to relatively brief periods. Rates of isolation of parainfluenzaviruses and respiratory syncytial viruses demonstrated their importance in reinfections of older children and adults. This was confirmed by examination of characteristics of associated illnesses.