Social Distancing in Mexican Flu Pandemic was Beneficial

18-day periods of mandatory school closures and other social distancing measures dropped influenza transmission rates by 29 to 37% in Mexico during the 2009 pandemic.

A three-wave pandemic profile was identified throughout Mexico. The first wave was observed in Mexico City in the spring of 2009. A second wave appeared in the southeastern region during the summer of 2009. Onset of a third pandemic wave in the fall of 2009 coincided with the beginning of the fall school term, causing increased influenza incidence in school-age children.

The very young were hardest hit, not the elderly, who are typically at high risk for influenza. Most severe pandemic infections were found in those 5 to 14 years of age and infants. This study suggests that timed school and other social gathering closures could possibly mitigate future influenza pandemics.

References:

Embargoed for Release

Tuesday, May 24, 2011

5 p.m. EDT

Contact:

Ann Puderbaugh

301-496-2075

www.fic.nih.gov