Occupational distribution of persons with confirmed 2009 H1N1 influenza.

Abstract

To assess the distribution of illness by industry sector and occupation reflected in early 2009 H1N1 influenza surveillance. We analyzed data reported for April to July 2009, for 1361 laboratory-confirmed 2009 H1N1 influenza-infected persons 16 years or older, with work status information from four states. A North American Industry Classification System 2007 code was assigned to each employed person. For a subset, an occupation code was assigned. Of 898 employed individuals, 611 (68.0%) worked in the non-health care sector. The largest proportions worked in public administration, educational services, and accommodation and food services. In Wisconsin health care personnel, 53.6% were paraprofessionals, 33.6% professionals, and 12.7% other workers; 26.9% worked in ambulatory settings, 46.2% in hospitals, and 26.9% in nursing or residential care facilities. Our findings suggest that industry sectors and occupations should be explored systematically in future influenza surveillance.