Results of a national web-based survey on the SARS-CoV-2 infectious state of otorhinolaryngologists in Germany.
Eur Arch Otorhinolaryngol
; 278(4): 1247-1255, 2021 Apr.
Article
em En
| MEDLINE
| ID: mdl-32897443
ABSTRACT
PURPOSE:
SARS-CoV-2 is detected on the mucosa of the upper airways to a high degree. In the course of the COVID-19 pandemic, otorhinolaryngologists (ORL) are assumed to be at high risk due to close contact with the mucosa of the upper airways. No data are yet available providing evidence that ORLs have an increased risk of infection.METHODS:
German ORLs were invited via e-mail through the German Society of ORL, Head and Neck Surgery and the German ENT Association to participate in a web-based survey about infection with SARS-CoV-2 and development of COVID-19. Data of infections and concomitant parameters in German ORLs were collected and compared to the total number of infections in Germany.RESULTS:
Out of 6383 German ORLs, 970 (15%) participated. 54 ORLs reported testing positive for SARS-CoV-2. Compared to the total population of Germany, ORLs have a relative risk of 3.67 (95% CI 2.82; 4.79) of contracting SARS-CoV-2. Domestic quarantine was conducted in 96.3% of cases. Two individuals were admitted to hospital without intensive care. No casualties were reported. In 31 cases, the source of infection was not identifiable whereas 23 had a clear medical aetiology infected patients n = 5, 9.26%; medical staff n = 13, 14.1%. 9.26% (n = 5) of the identified cases were related to contact to infected family members (n = 3), closer neighbourhood (n = 1) or general public (n = 1). There was no identified increased risk of infection due to performing surgery.CONCLUSION:
German ORLs have an almost 3.7-fold risk of contracting SARS-CoV-2 compared to the population baseline level. Appropriate protection appears to be necessary for this occupational group.Palavras-chave
Texto completo:
1
Base de dados:
MEDLINE
Assunto principal:
Otolaringologia
/
Médicos
/
Saúde Ocupacional
/
Internet
/
SARS-CoV-2
/
COVID-19
Tipo de estudo:
Etiology_studies
Limite:
Humans
País/Região como assunto:
Europa
Idioma:
En
Revista:
Eur Arch Otorhinolaryngol
Assunto da revista:
OTORRINOLARINGOLOGIA
Ano de publicação:
2021
Tipo de documento:
Article
País de afiliação:
Alemanha