Intrahousehold transmission of pandemic (H1N1) 2009 virus, Victoria, Australia

Caroline van Gemert, Margaret Hellard, Emma S. McBryde, James Fielding, Tim Spelman, Nasra Higgins, Rosemary Lester, Hassan Vally, Isabel Bergeri

    Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

    14 Citations (Scopus)

    Abstract

    To examine intrahousehold secondary transmission of pandemic (H1N1) 2009 virus in households in Victoria, Australia, we conducted a retrospective cross-sectional study in late 2009. We randomly selected case-patients reported during May-June 2009 and their household contacts. Information collected included household characteristics, use of prevention and control measures, and signs and symptoms. Secondary cases were defi ned as influenza-like illness in household contacts within the specifi ed period. Secondary transmission was identifi ed for 18 of 122 susceptible household contacts. To identify independent predictors of secondary transmission, we developed a model. Risk factors were concurrent quarantine with the household index case-patient, and a protective factor was antiviral prophylaxis. These findings show that timely provision of antiviral prophylaxis to household contacts, particularly when household members are concurrently quarantined during implementation of pandemic management strategies, delays or contains community transmission of pandemic (H1N1) 2009 virus.

    Original languageEnglish
    Pages (from-to)1599-1607
    Number of pages9
    JournalEmerging Infectious Diseases
    Volume17
    Issue number9
    DOIs
    Publication statusPublished - Sept 2011

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