Work

High Temperature (30°C) Blocks Aerosol but Not Contact Transmission of Influenza Virus

Year: 2008

Type: article

Abstract: Influenza causes significant morbidity in tropical regions; however, unlike in temperate zones, influenza in the tropics is not strongly associated with a given season. We have recently shown that influenza virus transmission in the guinea pig model is most efficient under cold, dry conditions, which are rare in the tropics. Herein, we report the lack of aerosol transmission at 30 degrees C and at all humidities tested. Conversely, transmission via the contact route was equally efficient at 30 degrees C and 20 degrees C. Our data imply that contact or short-range spread predominates in the tropics and offer an explanation for the lack of a well-defined, recurrent influenza season affecting tropical and subtropical regions of the world.

Source: Journal of Virology

DOI: 10.1128/jvi.00325-08

Authors: Anice C. Lowen, John Steel, Samira Mubareka, Peter Palese

Institution: Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai

Language: English

Topic: Influenza Virus Research Studies

Subfield: Epidemiology

Field: Medicine

Domain: Health Sciences

SDG: Good health and well-being

Open Access status: green

Funders: W. M. Keck Foundation, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases