COVID-19 infection rate among tertiary referral center otorhinolaryngology healthcare workers.
Eur Arch Otorhinolaryngol
; 278(8): 3091-3098, 2021 Aug.
Article
en En
| MEDLINE
| ID: mdl-33544196
ABSTRACT
IMPORTANCE Otorhinolaryngology is considered one of the medical specialties with a high risk for exposure to corona disease 2019 (COVID-19). Uncontrolled transmission in a hospital department poses a risk to both healthcare workers (HCWs) and patients. OBJECTIVE:
To monitor SARS-CoV-2 incidence, transmission, and antibody development among HCWs to identify high risk procedures, pathways, and work areas within the department.METHODS:
Prospective cohort study of HCWs using repetitive oro- and nasopharygeal swab samples, antibody tests, and self-reported symptoms questionnaires at a tertiary referral center in Copenhagen, Denmark.RESULTS:
347/361 (96%) HCWs participated. Seven (1.9%) were positive on swab tests and none had symptoms. Fifteen (4.2%) developed antibodies. Only one case of potential transmission between HCWs was identified. Infection rates were low and no procedures or areas within the department were identified as exposing HCWs to a higher risk. CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE Adherence to the surveillance program was high. The low incidence among HCW during the first wave of the COVID-19 pandemic may reflect local transmission and infection control precautions, as well as a low infectious burden in the Danish society.Palabras clave
Texto completo:
1
Base de datos:
MEDLINE
Asunto principal:
Otolaringología
/
COVID-19
Tipo de estudio:
Observational_studies
/
Risk_factors_studies
Idioma:
En
Revista:
Eur Arch Otorhinolaryngol
Asunto de la revista:
OTORRINOLARINGOLOGIA
Año:
2021
Tipo del documento:
Article