Emerging Infectious Diseases Journal

Highlights: EID, Vol. 17, No. 7 (July 2011)

1. Transmission of Influenza on International Flights, May 2009

A. R. Foxwell, et al.

Air travel is one of the fastest ways to spread infectious diseases around the globe; the rapid spread of pandemic flu in 2009 was a prime example. Preventing the spread of infection among air passengers involves contacting those who sat near symptomatic passengers. However, the definition of "near" varies according to how infectious the virus is and how much the passengers and crew move around. It also depends on the length of the flight and how good the air circulation is. A study of flights to Australia found that for flu, the risk zone is smaller than previously thought. On long flights, risk was higher for those sitting in a smaller square zone around a symptomatic passenger (2 seats to either side and 2 seats in front and behind) than in the larger linear zone previously used (2 rows on either side). Narrowing the zone, and thus the number of potentially exposed passengers, may speed the contact process so exposed passengers can get preventive health care sooner.

Contact:
Paul M. Kelly
Australian National University, National Centre for Epidemiology & Population Health, College of Medicine, Biology & Environment,
Eggleston Rd, Acton, Canberra Australian Capital Territory 0200, Australia;
+61 61255609
Paul.Kelly@anu.edu.au

2. Pandemic (H1N1) 2009 and Hajj Pilgrims who Received Pre-Departure Vaccination, Egypt

A. Kandeel, et al.

The annual Hajj pilgrimage to Saudi Arabia brings together more than 2.5 million people—and any infections they may have. In 2009, risks for infection during the Hajj were increased by high pandemic flu activity during that week. In Egypt, to protect the pilgrims themselves and to keep pandemic flu out of the country, all Hajj pilgrims were required to receive pandemic flu vaccination before departure. A survey of returning pilgrims found that although some became ill with seasonal flu, none became ill with pandemic flu. Thus, pre-departure vaccination may have been effective.

Contact:
Dr. Eman A. Kereem
Egyptian Ministry of Health
+ 20-10-1087323

The opinions expressed by authors contributing to this journal do not necessarily reflect the opinions of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, the Public Health Service, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, or the authors' affiliated institutions. Use of trade names is for identification only and does not imply endorsement by any of the groups named above.

 

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U.S. DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES