Emerging Infectious Diseases (Apr 2021)

Analysis of Asymptomatic and Presymptomatic Transmission in SARS-CoV-2 Outbreak, Germany, 2020

  • Jennifer K. Bender,
  • Michael Brandl,
  • Michael Höhle,
  • Udo Buchholz,
  • Nadine Zeitlmann

DOI
https://doi.org/10.3201/eid2704.204576
Journal volume & issue
Vol. 27, no. 4

Abstract

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We determined secondary attack rates (SAR) among close contacts of 59 asymptomatic and symptomatic coronavirus disease case-patients by presymptomatic and symptomatic exposure. We observed no transmission from asymptomatic case-patients and highest SAR through presymptomatic exposure. Rapid quarantine of close contacts with or without symptoms is needed to prevent presymptomatic transmission.

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