Non-pharmaceutical interventions for pandemic influenza, international measures.

This is the first part of a two part report which summarises the scientific data, historic experience, and contemporary observations that make up the limited evidence base for these interventions as applied to influenza. Part 1 summarizes the relevant transmission characteristics of influenza and the basis for interventions to prevent spread from one country to another. Non-pharmaceutical interventions outside of healthcare settings focus on measures to 1) limit international spread (e.g., travel screening and restrictions); 2) reduce spread within national and local populations (e.g., isolation and treatment of ill persons; monitoring and possible quarantine of exposed persons; and social distancing measures, such as cancellation of mass gatherings and closure of schools); 3) reduce an individual person's risk for infection (e.g., hand hygiene); and 4) communicate risk to the public. Part 1 discusses the first category. Emerging Infectious Diseases 2006; 12:81-7.