PLoS ONE (Jul 2010)

Transmission of novel influenza A(H1N1) in households with post-exposure antiviral prophylaxis.

  • Michiel van Boven,
  • Tjibbe Donker,
  • Mariken van der Lubben,
  • Rianne B van Gageldonk-Lafeber,
  • Dennis E te Beest,
  • Marion Koopmans,
  • Adam Meijer,
  • Aura Timen,
  • Corien Swaan,
  • Anton Dalhuijsen,
  • Susan Hahné,
  • Anneke van den Hoek,
  • Peter Teunis,
  • Marianne A B van der Sande,
  • Jacco Wallinga

DOI
https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0011442
Journal volume & issue
Vol. 5, no. 7
p. e11442

Abstract

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BackgroundDespite 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.Methodology/principal findingsWe 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 12 years, and 0.28 (95%CI: 0.12-0.50) when using an age classification of 18 years.Conclusions/significanceOur 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.