Evidence of Airborne Transmission of the Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Virus

摘要: background There is uncertainty about the mode of transmission severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS) virus. We analyzed temporal and spatial distributions cases in a large community outbreak SARS Hong Kong examined correlation these data with three-dimensional spread virus-laden aerosol plume that was modeled using studies airflow dynamics. methods determined distribution initial 187 Amoy Gardens housing complex 2003 according to date onset location residence. then studied association between (building, floor, direction apartment unit faced) probability infection logistic regression. The airborne, aerosols generated by index patient use airflow-dynamics studies, including performed computational fluid-dynamics multizone modeling. results curves epidemic suggested common source outbreak. All but 5 patients lived seven buildings (A G), more than half other (99 patients) building E. Residents floors at middle upper levels E were significantly higher risk residents on lower floors; this finding consistent rising contaminated warm air shaft from middle-level unit. risks for different units matched virus concentrations predicted B, C, D corresponded well fluiddynamics conclusions Airborne appears explain SARS, future efforts prevention control must take into consideration potential airborne