Risk of severe acute respiratory syndrome-associated coronavirus transmission aboard commercial aircraft

Tara M. Vogt, Marta A. Guerra, Elaine W. Flagg, Thomas G. Ksiazek, Sara A. Lowther, Paul M. Arguin

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

26 Scopus citations

Abstract

Background. Severe acute respiratory syndrome-associated coronavirus (SARS-CoV) was introduced to the United States through air travel. Although the risk of SARS-CoV transmission within aircraft cabins has been addressed by several studies, the magnitude of the risk remains unclear. Methods. We attempted to contact all persons with working US telephone numbers aboard seven US-bound flights carrying SARS patients. Consenting participants responded to a questionnaire, and a serum sample was collected at least 38 days after the flight and tested for SARS-CoV-associated antibodies. Participants reporting an illness compatible with SARS, with onset during the 2- to 10-day incubation period, were considered suspect cases; positive serology was required for confirmed cases. Results. Among 1,766 passengers and crew, 339 (19%) persons were contacted. Of these, 312 (92%) completed questionnaires, and blood was collected from 127 (37%). Serology was negative for all 127 participants, including three of four who met the clinical case criteria for SARS, and the fourth had a mild illness that lasted only 5 days. Conclusions. Transmission of SARS-associated CoV was not observed, suggesting that the risk of transmission is not amplified aboard aircraft.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)268-272
Number of pages5
JournalJournal of travel medicine
Volume13
Issue number5
DOIs
StatePublished - Sep 2006
Externally publishedYes

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • General Medicine

Fingerprint

Dive into the research topics of 'Risk of severe acute respiratory syndrome-associated coronavirus transmission aboard commercial aircraft'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

Cite this