TY - JOUR
T1 - COVID-19 infection rate among tertiary referral center otorhinolaryngology healthcare workers
AU - Rasmussen, Kasper Møller Boje
AU - Andersen, Peter Anders
AU - Channir, Hani Ibrahim
AU - Aanæs, Kasper
AU - Knudsen, Jenny Dahl
AU - Kirkeby, Nikolai Søren
AU - Klokker, Mads
AU - von Buchwald, Christian
AU - Cayé-Thomasen, Per
AU - Jensen, Ramon Gordon
PY - 2021/8
Y1 - 2021/8
N2 - 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.
AB - 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.
KW - Coronavirus
KW - COVID-19
KW - Healthcare worker
KW - Otorhinolaryngology
KW - Protective measures
KW - SARS-CoV-2
UR - http://www.scopus.com/inward/record.url?scp=85100548233&partnerID=8YFLogxK
U2 - 10.1007/s00405-021-06615-w
DO - 10.1007/s00405-021-06615-w
M3 - Journal article
C2 - 33544196
SN - 0003-9195
VL - 278
SP - 3091
EP - 3098
JO - 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
JF - 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
IS - 8
ER -