Cohabitation COVID-19 Transmission Rates in a United States Suburban Community: A Retrospective Study of Familial Infections

Objectives: SARS-CoV-2 is a highly contagious virus that causes coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) and can affect people of any age with potential for serious symptoms. Since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, global infection rates have been on the rise with world leaders looking to slow and stop viral transmission. This study is looking at suburban cohabitation/familial infection to compare to similar studies from other countries.

Study Design: A retrospective review of medical records was collected using the Connecticut Electronic Disease Surveillance System.

Methods: A total of 406 cases who tested positive for SARS-COV-2 from February to June 2020 were reviewed from three towns located in Connecticut, USA. Cohabitation infection rates were identified using the home addresses of those with confirmed SARS-CoV-2 test results, with the first documented case being the index case, and additional home members being the secondary cases.

Results: Secondary transmission of SARS-CoV-2 developed in 126 of 406 household contacts (31%). Linear regression indicated positive relationship between cohabitation and age.

Conclusions: The cohabitation infection attack rate of SARS-CoV-2 is significantly higher than previously reported. Age of household contacts and spousal relationship to the index case are risk factors for transmission of SARS-CoV-2 within a household.