Cohabitation COVID-19 transmission rates in a United States suburban community: A retrospective study of familial infections

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. A retrospective review of medical records was collected using the Connecticut Electronic Disease Surveillance System. 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. Secondary transmission of SARS-CoV-2 developed in 126 of 406 household contacts (31%). Linear regression indicated positive relationship between cohabitation and age. 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. •Living with someone who has COVID-19 increases your risk of infection.•Proactive individualized strategies need to be developed to reduce cohabitation infection rates.•Suburban towns in the US have higher familial infection rates than some urban areas in China.