tetano
Editor, Senior Moderator
J Epidemiol Glob Health. 2011 Dec;1(1):33-60. doi: 10.1016/j.jegh.2011.06.004. Epub 2011 Aug 17.
Could influenza transmission be reduced by restricting mass gatherings? Towards an evidence-based policy framework.
Ishola DA, Phin N.
Source
Pandemic Influenza and Legionnaires' Disease Section, Health Protection Services, Health Protection Agency, 61 Colindale Avenue, London NW9 5EQ, United Kingdom; Centre for Infectious Disease Epidemiology, Department of Infection and Population Health, University College London, Royal Free Campus, Rowland Hill Street, London NW3 2PF, United Kingdom. Electronic address: david.ishola@hpa.org.uk.
Abstract
INTRODUCTION:
Mass gatherings (MG) may provide ideal conditions for influenza transmission. The evidence for an association between MG and influenza transmission is reviewed to assess whether restricting MG may reduce transmission.
METHODS:
Major databases were searched (Pubmed, EMBASE, Scopus, CINAHL), producing 1706 articles that were sifted by title, abstract, and full-text. A narrative approach was adopted for data synthesis.
RESULTS:
Twenty-four papers met the inclusion criteria, covering MG of varying sizes and settings, and including 9 observational studies, 10 outbreak reports, 4 event reports, and a quasi-experimental study. There is some evidence that certain types of MG may be associated with increased risk of influenza transmission. MG may also "seed" new strains into an area, and may instigate community transmission in a pandemic. Restricting MGs, in combination with other social distancing interventions, may help reduce transmission, but it was not possible to identify conclusive evidence on the individual effect of MG restriction alone. Evidence suggests that event duration and crowdedness may be the key factors that determine the risk of influenza transmission, and possibly the type of venue (indoor/outdoor).
CONCLUSION:
These factors potentially represent a basis for a policy-making framework for MG restrictions in the event of a severe pandemic.
Copyright ? 2011 Ministry of Health, Saudi Arabia. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.
KEYWORDS:
Evidence, Influenza, Mass gathering, Policy, Transmission
PMID:
23856374
[PubMed - in process]
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/23856374
Could influenza transmission be reduced by restricting mass gatherings? Towards an evidence-based policy framework.
Ishola DA, Phin N.
Source
Pandemic Influenza and Legionnaires' Disease Section, Health Protection Services, Health Protection Agency, 61 Colindale Avenue, London NW9 5EQ, United Kingdom; Centre for Infectious Disease Epidemiology, Department of Infection and Population Health, University College London, Royal Free Campus, Rowland Hill Street, London NW3 2PF, United Kingdom. Electronic address: david.ishola@hpa.org.uk.
Abstract
INTRODUCTION:
Mass gatherings (MG) may provide ideal conditions for influenza transmission. The evidence for an association between MG and influenza transmission is reviewed to assess whether restricting MG may reduce transmission.
METHODS:
Major databases were searched (Pubmed, EMBASE, Scopus, CINAHL), producing 1706 articles that were sifted by title, abstract, and full-text. A narrative approach was adopted for data synthesis.
RESULTS:
Twenty-four papers met the inclusion criteria, covering MG of varying sizes and settings, and including 9 observational studies, 10 outbreak reports, 4 event reports, and a quasi-experimental study. There is some evidence that certain types of MG may be associated with increased risk of influenza transmission. MG may also "seed" new strains into an area, and may instigate community transmission in a pandemic. Restricting MGs, in combination with other social distancing interventions, may help reduce transmission, but it was not possible to identify conclusive evidence on the individual effect of MG restriction alone. Evidence suggests that event duration and crowdedness may be the key factors that determine the risk of influenza transmission, and possibly the type of venue (indoor/outdoor).
CONCLUSION:
These factors potentially represent a basis for a policy-making framework for MG restrictions in the event of a severe pandemic.
Copyright ? 2011 Ministry of Health, Saudi Arabia. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.
KEYWORDS:
Evidence, Influenza, Mass gathering, Policy, Transmission
PMID:
23856374
[PubMed - in process]
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/23856374