title: Intrahousehold transmission of pandemic (H1N1) 2009 virus, Victoria, Australia.
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.
authors: Burnet Institute, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia. carolinevg@burnet.edu.au
authors: Caroline
authors: C
authors: van Gemert
authors: Margaret
authors: M
authors: Hellard
authors: Emma S
authors: ES
authors: McBryde
authors: James
authors: J
authors: Fielding
authors: Tim
authors: T
authors: Spelman
authors: Nasra
authors: N
authors: Higgins
authors: Rosemary
authors: R
authors: Lester
authors: Hassan
authors: H
authors: Vally
authors: Isabel
authors: I
authors: Bergeri
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007223:Infant; D053118:Influenza A Virus, H1N1 Subtype; D007251:Influenza, Human / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000635:transmission* / Q000821:virology; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D016017:Odds Ratio; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D014739:Victoria / Q000453:epidemiology; D055815:Young Adult