Superspreading of SARS-CoV-2: a systematic review and meta-analysis of event attack rates and individual transmission patterns.

ABSTRACT: SARS-CoV-2 superspreading occurs when transmission is highly efficient and/or an individual infects many others, contributing to rapid spread. To better quantify heterogeneity in SARS-CoV-2 transmission, particularly superspreading, we performed a systematic review of transmission events with data on secondary attack rates or contact tracing of individual index cases published before September 2021 prior to the emergence of variants of concern and widespread vaccination. We reviewed 592 distinct events and 9,883 index cases from 491 papers. A meta-analysis of secondary attack rates identified substantial heterogeneity across 12 chosen event types/settings, with the highest transmission (25-35%) in co-living situations including households, nursing homes, and other congregate housing. Among

SUBMITTER: McKee CD 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC11488467 | biostudies-literature | 2024 Oct

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature