Four Models of Wastewater-Based Monitoring for SARS-CoV-2 Complementing Individual Screening in Jail Settings.

Objectives. To describe 4 unique models of operationalizing wastewater-based surveillance (WBS) for severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) in jails of graduated sizes and different architectural designs. Methods. We summarize how jails of Cook County, Illinois (average daily population [ADP] 6000); Fulton County, Georgia (ADP 3000); Middlesex County, Massachusetts (ADP 875); and Washington, DC (ADP 1600) initiated WBS between 2020 and 2023. Results. Positive signals for SARS-CoV-2 via WBS can herald a new onset of infections in previously uninfected jail housing units. Challenges implementing WBS included political will and realized value, funding, understanding the building architecture, and the need for details in the findings. Conclusions. WBS has been effective for detecting outbreaks of SARS-CoV-2 in different sized jails, those with both dorm- and cell-based architectural design. Public Health Implications. Given its effectiveness in monitoring SARS-CoV-2, WBS provides a model for population-based surveillance in carceral facilities for future infectious disease outbreaks. (Am J Public Health. 2024;114(11):1232-1241. https://doi.org/10.2105/AJPH.2024.307785).

Identification of Presymptomatic and Asymptomatic Cases Using Cohort-Based Testing Approaches at a Large Correctional Facility-Chicago, Illinois, USA, May 2020.

BACKGROUND: Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) continues to cause significant morbidity and mortality worldwide. Correctional and detention facilities are at high risk of experiencing outbreaks. We aimed to evaluate cohort-based testing among detained persons exposed to laboratory-confirmed cases of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) in order to identify presymptomatic and asymptomatic cases. METHODS: During 1-19 May 2020, 2 testing strategies were implemented in 12 tiers or housing units of the Cook County Jail, Chicago, Illinois. Detained persons were approached to participate in serial testing (n = 137) and offered tests at 3 time points over 14 days (day 1, days 3-5, and days 13-14). The second group was offered a single test and interview at the end of a 14-day quarantine period (day 14 group) (n = 87). RESULTS: 224 detained persons were approached for participation and, of these, 194 (87%) participated in ≥1 interview and 172 (77%) had ≥1 test. Of the 172 tested, 19 were positive for SARS-CoV-2. In the serial testing group, 17 (89%) new cases were detected, 16 (84%) on day 1, 1 (5%) on days 3-5, and none on days 13-14; in the day 14 group, 2 (11%) cases were identified. More than half (12/19; 63%) of the newly identified cases were presymptomatic or asymptomatic. CONCLUSIONS: Our findings highlight the utility of cohort-based testing promptly after initiating quarantine within a housing tier. Cohort-based testing efforts identified new SARS-CoV-2 asymptomatic and presymptomatic infections that may have been missed by symptom screening alone.

Guiding the Implementation of Wastewater-based Surveillance for Carceral Infection Control with Perspectives from People with Lived Experience of Incarceration during the COVID-19 Pandemic.

Background: Little guidance exists on best practices for implementing and sustaining wastewater-based surveillance (WBS) for SARS-CoV-2 in carceral settings. To ensure alignment with priorities of stakeholders, we aimed to understand the perspectives of persons with lived experience (PLE) of jail who were incarcerated during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic on infection control. Methods: We recruited two PLE at each of four jails: Cook County (IL), Fulton County (GA), Middlesex County (MA), and Washington DC. Focus Group Discussion (FGD) guides followed the Consolidated Framework for Implementation Research (CFIR). Two FGDs focusing on lived experience with jail infection control protocol and WBS were conducted, and six Key Informant (KI) interviews followed to gain insights on communicating WBS results. We used a combination of deductive thematic analysis based on CFIR constructs and inductive analysis to capture emergent themes. Results: Themes from FGDs included: (1) variable experiences with COVID-19 infection control protocols including intake processes, individual testing, isolation and quarantine, (2) the perceived attitudes of fellow residents and staff surrounding COVID-19 mitigation in a carceral setting; and (3) perceived benefits and challenges involving WBS implementation and messaging. KIs emphasized 1) The importance of straightforward health messaging and trustworthiness in the communication of WBS results, 2) Support for enhanced health education around outbreaks, and 3) Receptiveness to WBS being used as a tool to measure common infectious agents (i.e., influenza) but hesitancy regarding its application to conditions such as HIV and illicit drug use. PLE articulated support of robust infection control programs and receptiveness to expanding WBS if conducted in a non-stigmatizing manner. Conclusion: Perspectives from PLE can help shape the infection control programs for future outbreaks and inform the expansion of WBS implementation in carceral facilities. It will be important to consider the voices of current and former residents, as receivers of care, to promote an environment conducive to comprehensive infection control. In addition to having infection control programs consistently execute set protocols and educate all stakeholders, PLE identified collaboration between jail staff and residents, and clear communication around program expectations as priorities. Findings from this qualitative study can be shared with jail decision makers and the perceived engagement of stakeholders can be measured.

Substance Use Disorders and HIV/AIDS Risk Behaviors in Youth After Juvenile Detention: A 16-Year Longitudinal Study.

PURPOSE: To examine the association between substance use disorders (SUDs) and HIV/AIDS risk behaviors in detained youth as they age. METHODS: Prospective longitudinal study of a stratified random sample of 1,829 youth aged 10 to 18 years at baseline, sampled between November 1995 and June 1998 from the Cook County Juvenile Temporary Detention Center, Chicago, Illinois, and reinterviewed up to 13 times (to median age 32); 17,766 interviews overall. RESULTS: Youth had greater odds of engaging in every risk behavior when they had an SUD compared with when they did not have an SUD. For example, SUD was associated with condomless vaginal sex with a high-risk partner (OR: 2.28, 95% CI: 1.84-2.82). SUD was also associated with multiple partners, although the strength varied by time and sex (e.g., 16 years after baseline, OR: 3.58, 95% CI: 2.46-5.23 females; OR: 2.07, 95% CI: 1.48-2.88 males). Types of SUD-alcohol, comorbid alcohol and marijuana, drugs other than marijuana-were also associated with HIV/AIDS risk behaviors. DISCUSSION: SUDs and HIV/AIDS risk behaviors are linked among youth in the juvenile justice system and as they age. There is a longstanding need for targeted and integrated HIV and SUD services, but this need remains unmet.