tetano
Editor, Senior Moderator
Braz J Infect Dis
. 2021 Mar 23;101570.
doi: 10.1016/j.bjid.2021.101570. Online ahead of print.
Efficacy of COVID-19 outbreak management in a skilled nursing facility based on serial testing for early detection and control
Pedro M M Garibaldi[SUP] 1 [/SUP], Natasha N Ferreira[SUP] 1 [/SUP], Glenda Moraes[SUP] 2 [/SUP], Jos? C Moura[SUP] 3 [/SUP], Danilo L A Esp?sito[SUP] 1 [/SUP], Gustavo J Volpe[SUP] 1 [/SUP], Rodrigo T Calado[SUP] 4 [/SUP], Benedito A L Fonseca[SUP] 1 [/SUP], Marcos C Borges[SUP] 5 [/SUP]
Affiliations
Abstract
SARS-CoV-2 has a high risk of outbreak in long-term skilled nursing facilities (SNF). Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) has high mortality rates among the elderly with chronic health conditions. Following identification of COVID-19 index case in a SNF, serial point-prevalence was implemented with reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) and immunochromatographic assays. Active surveillance and early isolation of infected patients were implemented. Out of 23 SNF residents and 26 healthcare workers (HCW), 18 (78%) and 12 (46%) tested positive for SARS-CoV-2, respectively. High proportion (38%) of positive patients were asymptomatic and RT-PCR was positive up to six days before symptoms. Five (21.74%) residents were hospitalized with COVID-19, and 2 (9%) died; only 1 (4%) HCW needed to be hospitalized and no staff members died. Active surveillance helped COVID-19 control and management in a SNF. Testing symptomatic individuals only may fail to identify and isolate all persons contributing to transmission. In high-risk elderly, only symptoms screening may not be enough for outbreak control.
Keywords: 2019 novel coronavirus disease; COVID-19; Long-term care facilities; Outbreak; SARS-CoV-2; Skilled nursing facility.
. 2021 Mar 23;101570.
doi: 10.1016/j.bjid.2021.101570. Online ahead of print.
Efficacy of COVID-19 outbreak management in a skilled nursing facility based on serial testing for early detection and control
Pedro M M Garibaldi[SUP] 1 [/SUP], Natasha N Ferreira[SUP] 1 [/SUP], Glenda Moraes[SUP] 2 [/SUP], Jos? C Moura[SUP] 3 [/SUP], Danilo L A Esp?sito[SUP] 1 [/SUP], Gustavo J Volpe[SUP] 1 [/SUP], Rodrigo T Calado[SUP] 4 [/SUP], Benedito A L Fonseca[SUP] 1 [/SUP], Marcos C Borges[SUP] 5 [/SUP]
Affiliations
- PMID: 33773990
- DOI: 10.1016/j.bjid.2021.101570
Abstract
SARS-CoV-2 has a high risk of outbreak in long-term skilled nursing facilities (SNF). Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) has high mortality rates among the elderly with chronic health conditions. Following identification of COVID-19 index case in a SNF, serial point-prevalence was implemented with reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) and immunochromatographic assays. Active surveillance and early isolation of infected patients were implemented. Out of 23 SNF residents and 26 healthcare workers (HCW), 18 (78%) and 12 (46%) tested positive for SARS-CoV-2, respectively. High proportion (38%) of positive patients were asymptomatic and RT-PCR was positive up to six days before symptoms. Five (21.74%) residents were hospitalized with COVID-19, and 2 (9%) died; only 1 (4%) HCW needed to be hospitalized and no staff members died. Active surveillance helped COVID-19 control and management in a SNF. Testing symptomatic individuals only may fail to identify and isolate all persons contributing to transmission. In high-risk elderly, only symptoms screening may not be enough for outbreak control.
Keywords: 2019 novel coronavirus disease; COVID-19; Long-term care facilities; Outbreak; SARS-CoV-2; Skilled nursing facility.