Lack of airborne transmission during outbreak of pandemic (H1N1) 2009 among tour group members, China, June 2009

Emerg Infect Dis. 2009 Oct;15(10):1578-81. doi: 10.3201/eid1510.091013.

Abstract

During June 2-8, 2009, an outbreak of influenza A pandemic (H1N1) 2009 occurred among 31 members of a tour group in China. To identify the mode of transmission and risk factors, we conducted a retrospective cohort investigation. The index case-patient was a female tourist from the United States. Secondary cases developed in 9 (30%) tour group members who had talked with the index case-patient and in 1 airline passenger (not a tour group member) who had sat within 2 rows of her. None of the 14 tour group members who had not talked with the index case-patient became ill. This outbreak was apparently caused by droplet transmission during coughing or talking. That airborne transmission was not a factor is supported by lack of secondary cases among fellow bus and air travelers. Our findings highlight the need to prevent transmission by droplets and fomites during a pandemic.

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Aircraft
  • China / epidemiology
  • Disease Outbreaks*
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Influenza A Virus, H1N1 Subtype*
  • Influenza, Human / epidemiology
  • Influenza, Human / transmission*
  • Influenza, Human / virology*
  • Male
  • Motor Vehicles
  • Retrospective Studies
  • Travel