Analysis of Asymptomatic and Presymptomatic Transmission in SARS-CoV-2 Outbreak, Germany, 2020

We determined secondary attack rates (SAR) among close contacts of 59 asymptomatic and symptomatic coronavirus disease case-patients by presymptomatic and symptomatic exposure. We observed no transmission from asymptomatic case-patients and highest SAR through presymptomatic exposure. Rapid quarantine of close contacts with or without symptoms is needed to prevent presymptomatic transmission.

Automated summary

The study found that asymptomatic case-patients did not transmit the virus, while the highest transmission rate was through presymptomatic exposure. Rapid quarantine of close contacts, whether symptomatic or asymptomatic, is essential to prevent presymptomatic transmission.