TY - JOUR
T1 - Risk of severe acute respiratory syndrome-associated coronavirus transmission aboard commercial aircraft
AU - Vogt, Tara M.
AU - Guerra, Marta A.
AU - Flagg, Elaine W.
AU - Ksiazek, Thomas G.
AU - Lowther, Sara A.
AU - Arguin, Paul M.
PY - 2006/9
Y1 - 2006/9
N2 - 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.
AB - 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.
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U2 - 10.1111/j.1708-8305.2006.00048.x
DO - 10.1111/j.1708-8305.2006.00048.x
M3 - Article
C2 - 16987125
AN - SCOPUS:33748951589
SN - 1195-1982
VL - 13
SP - 268
EP - 272
JO - Journal of travel medicine
JF - Journal of travel medicine
IS - 5
ER -