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  • Title: Use of nonpharmaceutical interventions to reduce transmission of 2009 pandemic influenza A (pH1N1) in Pennsylvania public schools.
    Author: Miller JR, Short VL, Wu HM, Waller K, Mead P, Kahn E, Bahn BA, Dale JW, Nasrullah M, Walton SE, Urdaneta V, Ostroff S, Averhoff F.
    Journal: J Sch Health; 2013 Apr; 83(4):281-9. PubMed ID: 23488889.
    Abstract:
    BACKGROUND: School-based recommendations for nonpharmaceutical interventions (NPIs) were issued in response to the threat of 2009 pandemic influenza A (pH1N1). The implementation and effectiveness of these recommendations has not been assessed. METHODS: In November 2009, a Web-based survey of all Pennsylvania public schools was conducted to assess the use of recommended NPIs. RESULTS: Overall, 1040 (31%) of 3351 schools participated in the survey. By fall 2009, 820 (84%) of 979 respondents reported that their school had an influenza plan in place, a 44% higher proportion than in the spring 2009 (p < .01). Most schools communicated health messages (eg, staying home when sick), implemented return to school requirements, and made hand sanitizer available. Schools with a spring influenza plan (N = 568) were less likely to report substantial influenza-like illness (ILI) during the fall wave of influenza than the 299 schools without a spring influenza plan (63% vs 71%, p = .02). This association persisted after controlling for schools with substantial ILI in the spring. CONCLUSION: The reported use of NPIs in participating Pennsylvania public schools improved substantially from spring to fall and was generally consistent with issued recommendations. The proactive implementation of a number of NPIs and the early implementation of communication and education initiatives might have cumulatively reduced the impact of pH1N1 in some schools.
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