Analysis of Asymptomatic and Presymptomatic Transmission in SARS-CoV-2 Outbreak, Germany, 2020

Analysis of Asymptomatic and Presymptomatic Transmission in SARS-CoV-2 Outbreak, Germany, 2020

Jennifer K. Bender, Michael Brandl, Michael Höhle, Udo Buchholz, Nadine Zeitlmann

We determined secondary attack rates (SAR) among close contacts of 59 asymptomatic and symptomatic coronavirus disease case-patients by presymptomatic and symptomatic exposure. We observed no transmission from asymptomatic case-patients and highest SAR through presymptomatic exposure. Rapid quarantine of close contacts with or without symptoms is needed to prevent presymptomatic transmission.

2021

Viruses, Respiratory Infections, zoonoses, covid-19, SARS-CoV-2, severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2

10.3201/eid2704.204576

Emerging Infectious Diseases

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

Medicine, Infectious and parasitic diseases