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

Euro Surveill. 2005 Dec;10(12):264-8.

Abstract

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.

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Adult
  • Antibodies, Viral / blood
  • Child
  • Child, Preschool
  • Cohort Studies
  • Conjunctivitis / virology
  • Humans
  • Infant
  • Infant, Newborn
  • Influenza A Virus, H7N7 Subtype* / immunology
  • Influenza, Human / complications
  • Influenza, Human / transmission*
  • Middle Aged
  • Netherlands
  • Retrospective Studies
  • Risk Factors
  • Seroepidemiologic Studies

Substances

  • Antibodies, Viral