Outbreak of novel influenza A (H1N1-2009) linked to a dance club.
- Author:
Pei Pei CHAN
1
;
Hariharan SUBRAMONY
;
Florence Y L LAI
;
Wee Siong TIEN
;
Boon Hian TAN
;
Suhana SOLHAN
;
Hwi Kwang HAN
;
Bok Huay FOONG
;
Lyn JAMES
;
Peng Lim OOI
Author Information
- Publication Type:Journal Article
- MeSH: Adolescent; Adult; Commerce; Contact Tracing; methods; Dancing; Disease Outbreaks; Female; Humans; Influenza A Virus, H1N1 Subtype; isolation & purification; Influenza, Human; diagnosis; epidemiology; Interviews as Topic; Male; Models, Statistical; Polymerase Chain Reaction; Singapore; epidemiology; Travel; Young Adult
- From:Annals of the Academy of Medicine, Singapore 2010;39(4):299-294
- CountrySingapore
- Language:English
-
Abstract:
INTRODUCTIONThis paper describes the epidemiology and control of a community outbreak of novel influenza A (H1N1-2009) originating from a dance club in Singapore between June and July 2009.
MATERIALS AND METHODSCases of novel influenza A (H1N1-2009) were confirmed using in-house probe-based real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR). Contact tracing teams from the Singapore Ministry of Health obtained epidemiological information from all cases via telephone.
RESULTSA total of 48 cases were identified in this outbreak, of which 36 (75%) cases were patrons and dance club staff, and 12 (25%) cases were household members and social contacts. Mathematical modelling showed that this outbreak had a reproductive number of 1.9 to 2.1, which was similar to values calculated from outbreaks in naïve populations in other countries.
CONCLUSIONThis transmission risk occurred within an enclosed space with patrons engaged in intimate social activities, suggesting that dance clubs are places conducive for the spread of the virus.
