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The Attack Rate of H1N1 in Various Berthing Configurations On Board an Aircraft Carrier

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  04 April 2013

Jared L. Harwood ,
Joseph T. LaVan  and
George J. Brand II
Jared L. Harwood*
Affiliation:
Department of Orthopaedics, The Ohio State University, Columbus, USA
Joseph T. LaVan
Affiliation:
Aerospace Medicine Residency, Naval Aerospace Medical Institute, Florida, USA
George J. Brand II
Affiliation:
Training and Education Standards Division, Marine Air Ground Task Force, Twentynine Palms, California, USA
*
Address correspondence and reprint requests to Jared L. Harwood, MD, The Ohio State University, Department of Orthopaedics, 725 Prior Hall, 376 W 10th Ave, Columbus, OH 43210 (e-mail: jared.harwood@osumc.edu).
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Abstract

Objective

We compared attack rates for novel H1N1 influenza A (H1N1) among various groups aboard an aircraft carrier as influenced by characteristics of their living arrangements.

Methods

During an outbreak of H1N1 on board the USS George Washington (GW), group affiliation (department or squadron membership) data were obtained on all patients who were placed in respiratory isolation based on their diagnosis with presumptive H1N1. Because berthing spaces are assigned by department and various characteristics of each department's berthing spaces are known, analysis of attack rates in comparison to these characteristics was possible. Attack rates were compared with the square feet of living space per sailor, occupancy rate of the berthing areas, and size of the berthing areas. These results were further correlated with the mission of the various departments or squadrons.

Results

The average attack rate was 3%, with the highest rates occurring in departments or squadrons whose mission required ongoing contact with civilian populations ashore. The attack rate among officers was 2.04 versus 3.19 among enlisted personnel; this difference was not significant (P = .21). The attack rate for women was 1.90 versus 3.09 for men, which was significant (P = .05). Although attack rates varied considerably based on organizational mission, no correlation was found between attack rate and square feet of living space per person or occupancy rate or size of berthing spaces.

Conclusions

The attack rate of the outbreak overall was limited to 3%. Smaller and more crowded berthing configurations did not contribute to higher attack rates, suggesting that transmission occurs most frequently elsewhere while engaged in other activities such as working, eating, or relaxing. Further studies are necessary to filter out potential correlations or variables not identified in this study, such as the difference between the number of men and women isolated. (Disaster Med Public Health Preparedness. 2012;0:1-5)

Keywords

H1N1shipboard influenzapandemicisolationoutbreaknaval vesselaircraft carrierattack rateberthing space
Type
Original Research
Information
Disaster Medicine and Public Health Preparedness , Volume 7 , Issue 2 , April 2013 , pp. 131 - 135
Copyright
Copyright © Society for Disaster Medicine and Public Health, Inc. 2013 

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