A COVID-19 nosocomial cluster in a university hospital in southern Italy: a social network analysis.

ABSTRACT

Introduction: Healthcare workers on duty at the hospital are at high risk of COVID-19 infection. However, despite the introduction of risk-lowering practices in the hospital setting, there have been many cases of SARS-COV-2 infection among Health Care Workers. Fast and efficient contact tracing and Sars-CoV-2 PCR-based testing of the close contacts of Health Care Workers with confirmed infections are essential steps to limit nosocomial outbreaks. Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted at Bari Policlinico General University-Hospital (Apulia, Italy) and describes the management of a cluster of SARS-COV-2 infections in three Operative Units. The contact tracing activities and the measures implemented to control the outbreak are described. Results: Among the 186 Health Care Workers active in the cluster setting, there were 9 (4.8%) confirmed cases, including the index case. Due to the outbreak, three Operative Units were closed to limit virus circulation. Health Care Workers with confirmed infections tested negative after a mean of 28.0±6.6 days (range 13-37) and none required hospitalization. Conclusions: Protection of the health of Health Care Workers during the COVID-19 pandemic should be a public health priority. However, despite recent recommendations and the implementation of protective measures, SARS-COV-2 infections of Health Care Workers remain at a high rate, indicative of the continued high risk of cluster onset in the nosocomial setting.