[Novel influenza H1N1/2009: virus transmission among health care worker].
METHODS
A 27-year-old female presented with fever (40 C) and infection of the upper respiratory tract in an emergency room (ER) department of our university hospital. Within the last days, she worked as a nurse in that ER, responsible for taking care of patients with novel influenza and also executing screening-examinations of suspicious cases.


METHODS
Patient in a reduced condition of health. C-reactive protein was significantly elevated (6.6 mg/dl - norm < 0.5). A PCR carried out on the admission day revealed a highly positive reaction (CT:19.29).


METHODS
Due to positive PCR laboratory report for H1N1/2009 and multiple occupational contacts with H1N1/2009 patients, therapy with neuraminidase inhibitor was started. After a five-day antiviral therapy and clinical signs of recovery, PCR was negative on the sixth treatment day.


CONCLUSIONS
Health care workers (HCWs) are at risk of occupational exposure to influenza. Against the backdrop of the spread of H1N1 (2009) appropriate protective measures should be implemented to reduce the risk for transmission in health-care settings. The acquisition of epidemiologic data of occupational infections in Germany ought to be optimized. Required protective measures should be evaluated with regard to practicability and effectiveness.
Wicker
S
S
Betriebsärztlicher Dienst, Klinikum der Johann Wolfgang Goethe-Universität Frankfurt. Sabine.Wicker@kgu.de
Rabenau
H F
HF
Bickel
M
M
Wolf
T
T
Brodt
R
R
Brandt
C
C
Berger
A
A
Doerr
H W
HW
Lehmann
R
R
D000328:Adult; D005260:Female; D005858:Germany; D006282:Health Personnel; D006801:Humans; D017053:Infection Control; D017758:Infectious Disease Transmission, Patient-to-Professional; D053118:Influenza A Virus, H1N1 Subtype; D007251:Influenza, Human / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000517:prevention & control / Q000635:transmission*