Factors associated with nosocomial SARS-CoV transmission among healthcare workers in Hanoi, Vietnam, 2003

Factors associated with nosocomial SARS-CoV transmission among healthcare workers in Hanoi, Vietnam, 2003

Leitmeyer Katrin C, Maloney Susan, Shah J Jina, Bausch Daniel G, Montgomery Joel M, Thu Vu Hoang, Anh Bach, Reynolds Mary G, Huy Vu Quang, Horby Peter, Plant Aileen J, Uyeki Timothy M

Abstract Background In March of 2003, an outbreak of Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS) occurred in Northern Vietnam. This outbreak began when a traveler arriving from Hong Kong sought medical care at a small hospital (Hospital A) in Hanoi, initiating a serious and substantial transmission event within the hospital, and subsequent limited spread within the community. Methods We surveyed Hospital A personnel for exposure to the index patient and for symptoms of disease during the outbreak. Additionally, serum specimens were collected and assayed for antibody to SARS-associated coronavirus (SARS-CoV) antibody and job-specific attack rates were calculated. A nested case-control analysis was performed to assess risk factors for acquiring SARS-CoV infection. Results One hundred and fifty-three of 193 (79.3%) clinical and non-clinical staff consented to participate. Excluding job categories with

2006

DOI: 10.1186/1471-2458-6-207

BMC Public Health

BMC

Public aspects of medicine

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