Source avec lien : Infection Control and Hospital Epidemiology, 44(11). 10.1017/ice.2023.34
Les flambées hospitalières dues au coronavirus 2 du syndrome respiratoire aigu sévère (SARS-CoV-2) ont été fréquentes et dévastatrices pendant la pandémie de maladie à coronavirus 2019 (COVID-19). Il est essentiel de comprendre la transmission du SARS-CoV-2 dans ces environnements pour prévenir et gérer les épidémies.
OBJECTIVE: Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) hospital outbreaks have been common and devastating during the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic. Understanding SARS-CoV-2 transmission in these environments is critical for preventing and managing outbreaks. DESIGN: Outbreak investigation through epidemiological mapping and whole-genome sequencing phylogeny. SETTING: Hospital in-patient medical unit outbreak in Toronto, Canada, from November 2020 to January 2021. PARTICIPANTS: The outbreak involved 8 patients and 10 staff and was associated with 3 patient deaths. RESULTS: Patients being cared for in geriatric chairs at the nursing station were at high risk for both acquiring and transmitting SARS-CoV-2 to other patients and staff. Furthermore, given the informal nature of these transmissions, they were not initially recognized, which led to further transmission and missing the opportunity for preventative COVID-19 therapies. CONCLUSIONS: During outbreak prevention and management, the risk of informal patient care settings, such as geriatric chairs, should be considered. During high-risk periods or during outbreaks, efforts should be made to care for patients in their rooms when possible.