Transmission of novel influenza A(H1N1) in households with post-exposure antiviral prophylaxis.
BACKGROUND
Despite impressive advances in our understanding of the biology of novel influenza A(H1N1) virus, little is as yet known about its transmission efficiency in close contact places such as households, schools, and workplaces. These are widely believed to be key in supporting propagating spread, and it is therefore of importance to assess the transmission levels of the virus in such settings.


RESULTS
We estimate the transmissibility of novel influenza A(H1N1) in 47 households in the Netherlands using stochastic epidemic models. All households contained a laboratory confirmed index case, and antiviral drugs (oseltamivir) were given to both the index case and other households members within 24 hours after detection of the index case. Among the 109 household contacts there were 9 secondary infections in 7 households. The overall estimated secondary attack rate is low (0.075, 95%CI: 0.037-0.13). There is statistical evidence indicating that older persons are less susceptible to infection than younger persons (relative susceptibility of older persons: 0.11, 95%CI: 0.024-0.43. Notably, the secondary attack rate from an older to a younger person is 0.35 (95%CI: 0.14-0.61) when using an age classification of <or=12 versus >12 years, and 0.28 (95%CI: 0.12-0.50) when using an age classification of <or=18 versus >18 years.


CONCLUSIONS
Our results indicate that the overall household transmission levels of novel influenza A(H1N1) in antiviral-treated households were low in the early stage of the epidemic. The relatively high rate of adult-to-child transmission indicates that control measures focused on this transmission route will be most effective in minimizing the total number of infections.
van Boven
Michiel
M
Centre for Infectious Disease Control, National Institute for Public Health and the Environment, Bilthoven, The Netherlands. michiel.van.boven@rivm.nl
Donker
Tjibbe
T
van der Lubben
Mariken
M
van Gageldonk-Lafeber
Rianne B
RB
te Beest
Dennis E
DE
Koopmans
Marion
M
Meijer
Adam
A
Timen
Aura
A
Swaan
Corien
C
Dalhuijsen
Anton
A
Hahné
Susan
S
van den Hoek
Anneke
A
Teunis
Peter
P
van der Sande
Marianne A B
MA
Wallinga
Jacco
J
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000367:Age Factors; D000368:Aged; D000998:Antiviral Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use; D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D053118:Influenza A Virus, H1N1 Subtype / Q000472:pathogenicity*; D007251:Influenza, Human / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000635:transmission* / Q000821:virology*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D053139:Oseltamivir / Q000627:therapeutic use; D055815:Young Adult
D000998:Antiviral Agents; D053139:Oseltamivir