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

Journal Publication ResearchOnline@JCU
van Gemert, Caroline;Hellard, Margaret;McBryde, Emma S.;Fielding, James;Spelman, Tim;Higgins, Nasra;Lester, Rosemary;Vally, Hassan;Bergeri, Isabel
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 defined as influenza-like illness in household contacts within the specified period. Secondary transmission was identified 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.

Journal

Emerging Infectious Diseases

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Volume

17

ISBN/ISSN

1080-6059

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Issue

9

Pages Count

9

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Publisher

US Department of Health and Human Services

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Date

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EISSN

N/A

DOI

10.3201/eid1709.101948