2009 H1N1 Virus
Transmission and Outbreaks
T. M. Uyeki
Epidemiology and Prevention Branch, Influenza Division,
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention,
The
NEJM Volume 362:2175-2184 June 10, 2010 Number 23
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The emergence of 2009 pandemic influenza A (H1N1) virus
prompted early questions about how the virus was spreading and how
easily it was transmitted, along with uncertainty about disease
severity, clinical complications and risk factors for severe
disease, and the effectiveness of antiviral treatment and control
measures. Without a vaccine against the 2009 H1N1 virus, early
control measures included both pharmaceutical interventions (the use
of antiviral agents) and nonpharmaceutical interventions (e.g., school
closures, isolation, and quarantine), depending on the specific
outbreak setting, available resources, and goals. The use of these
interventions varied according to country and the evolution of the
pandemic. It was determined quickly that the 2009 H1N1 virus was
resistant to the adamantane antiviral agents but susceptible to
neuraminidase inhibitors (oseltamivir and zanamivir),1
which could be used for treatment and chemoprophylaxis.2
In this issue of the Journal, findings of two studies that were
conducted during the early phase of the pandemic are reported, with
implications for the control of influenza outbreaks
Oseltamivir Ring
Prophylaxis for Containment of 2009 H1N1 Influenza Outbreaks
V. J. Lee and
Others
Abstract | FREE Full Text | PDF | Supplementary Material |
Conclusions
Oseltamivir ring chemoprophylaxis, together with prompt
identification and isolation of infected personnel, was effective in
reducing the impact of outbreaks of 2009 H1N1 influenza in
semiclosed settings
Comparative
Epidemiology of Pandemic and Seasonal Influenza A in Households
B. J. Cowling and Others
Abstract | FREE Full Text | PDF | Supplementary Material |
Pandemic 2009 H1N1 virus has characteristics that are
broadly similar to those of seasonal influenza A viruses in terms of
rates of viral shedding, clinical illness, and transmissibility in
the household setting.
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