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Human to human transmission of avian influenza A/H7N7, The Netherlands, 2003.

Ry van Beest Holle, M. du, Meijer, A., Koopmans, M., Jager, C.M. de, Kamp, E.E.H.M. van de, Wilbrink, B., Conyn-van Spaendonck, M.A.E. Human to human transmission of avian influenza A/H7N7, The Netherlands, 2003. Eurosurveillance: 2005, 10(10-12), 264-268
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An outbreak of highly pathogenic avian influenza A virus subtype H7N7 began in poultry farms in the Netherlands in 2003. Virus infection was detected by RT-PCR in 86 poultry workers and three household contacts of PCR-positive poultry workers, mainly associated with conjunctivitis. To determine the magnitude of and risk factors for human-to-human transmission of influenza A/H7N7 in the Netherlands, a retrospective cohort study among household members of infected poultry workers was undertaken. In total, 33 (58.9%) of 56 (among 62) participants who provided blood samples had positive H7 serology, using single convalescent serum samples obtained at least 3 weeks after onset of symptoms of the index case. Eight household members (12.9%) reported symptoms (conjunctivitis and/or ILI), of which four of five (80.0%) tested seropositive. On univariate analysis, significant risk factors for seropositivity included having at least two toilets, a pet bird, and using cloth handkerchiefs. It was not possible to obtain a stable model for binomial regression for the outcome of A/H7N7 infection. Further seroprevalence studies among contacts of asymptomatic H7 cases should be conducted. (aut.ref.)