Abstract
BackgroundDuring the 2009 pandemic influenza H1N1 (2009) virus (pH1N1) outbreak, school students were at an increased risk of infection by the pH1N1 virus. However, the estimation of the attack rate showed significant variability.MethodsTwo school outbreaks were investigated in this study. A questionnaire was designed to collect information by interview. Throat samples were collected from all the subjects in this study 6 times and sero samples 3 times to confirm the infection and to determine viral shedding. Data analysis was performed using the software STATA 9.0.FindingsThe attack rate of the pH1N1 outbreak was 58.3% for the primary school, and 52.9% for the middle school. The asymptomatic infection rates of the two schools were 35.8% and 37.6% respectively. Peak virus shedding occurred on the day of ARI symptoms onset, followed by a steady decrease over subsequent days (p = 0.026). No difference was found either in viral shedding or HI titer between the symptomatic and the asymptomatic infectious groups.ConclusionsSchool children were found to be at a high risk of infection by the novel virus. This may be because of a heightened risk of transmission owing to increased mixing at boarding school, or a lack of immunity owing to socio-economic status. We conclude that asymptomatically infectious cases may play an important role in transmission of the pH1N1 virus.
Highlights
During April–May 2009, after early outbreaks in North America in April 2009, the pandemic influenza A/H1N1 virus spread rapidly around the world [1,2]
We conclude that asymptomatically infectious cases may play an important role in transmission of the pandemic influenza H1N1 (2009) virus (pH1N1) virus
The World Health Organization (WHO) declared a pandemic in June 2009 [3], which lasted until August 10, 2009 [4]
Summary
During April–May 2009, after early outbreaks in North America in April 2009, the pandemic influenza A/H1N1 virus spread rapidly around the world [1,2]. Data suggested that most of the deaths caused by pandemic influenza occurred in younger people, including those who were otherwise healthy [9]. Younger children and people of any age with certain chronic lung or other medical conditions appeared to be at higher risk of more complicated or severe illness [10,11]. Some reports showed that the majority of people with pandemic influenza experienced mild illness and the overall risks of dying from this infection were low. During the 2009 pandemic influenza H1N1 (2009) virus (pH1N1) outbreak, school students were at an increased risk of infection by the pH1N1 virus.
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
