Household transmission
| 31 October | Important study (because prospective). After enrollment, 101 index patients and 191 household members were trained remotely by study staff members to complete symptom diaries and obtain self-collected specimens, nasal swabs only or nasal swabs and saliva samples, daily for 14 days. In this preliminary analysis of the first 7 days, transmission of SARS-CoV-2 among household members was common, and secondary infection rates were higher (35%) than have been previously reported. Secondary infections occurred rapidly and were high across all racial/ethnic groups or rage groups. The authors conclude that persons who suspect that they might have COVID-19 should isolate, stay at home, and use a separate bedroom and bathroom if feasible. Isolation should begin before seeking testing and before test results become available. All household members, including the index patient, should start wearing a mask in the home, particularly in shared spaces where appropriate distancing is not possible. Close household contacts of the index patient should also self-quarantine, to the extent possible, particularly staying away from those at higher risk of getting severe COVID-19.
Grijalva CG, Rolfes MA, Zhu Y, et al. Transmission of SARS-COV-2 Infections in Households — Tennessee and Wisconsin, April–September 2020. MMWR Morb Mortal Wkly Rep. ePub: 30 October 2020. Full-text: http://dx.doi.org/10.15585/mmwr.mm6944e1
