Ontology highlight
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.
SUBMITTER: Rasmussen KMB
PROVIDER: S-EPMC7862982 | biostudies-literature | 2021 Feb
REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature
Rasmussen Kasper Møller Boje KMB Andersen Peter Anders PA Channir Hani Ibrahim HI Aanæs Kasper K Knudsen Jenny Dahl JD Kirkeby Nikolai Søren NS Klokker Mads M von Buchwald Christian C Cayé-Thomasen Per P Jensen Ramon Gordon RG
European archives of oto-rhino-laryngology : official journal of the European Federation of Oto-Rhino-Laryngological Societies (EUFOS) : affiliated with the German Society for Oto-Rhino-Laryngology - Head and Neck Surgery 20210205 8
<h4>Importance</h4>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.<h4>Objective</h4>To monitor SARS-CoV-2 incidence, transmission, and antibody development among HCWs to identify high risk procedures, pathways, and work areas within the department.<h4>Methods</h4>Prospective cohort study of HCWs using rep ...[more]