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- Title
COVID-19 infection rate among tertiary referral center otorhinolaryngology healthcare workers.
- Authors
Rasmussen, Kasper Møller Boje; Andersen, Peter Anders; Channir, Hani Ibrahim; Aanæs, Kasper; Knudsen, Jenny Dahl; Kirkeby, Nikolai Søren; Klokker, Mads; von Buchwald, Christian; Cayé-Thomasen, Per; Jensen, Ramon Gordon
- 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.
- Subjects
COPENHAGEN (Denmark); MEDICAL personnel; COVID-19; COVID-19 pandemic; MEDICAL specialties &; specialists; SARS-CoV-2; OTOLARYNGOLOGY; H7N9 Influenza
- Publication
European Archives of Oto-Rhino-Laryngology, 2021, Vol 278, Issue 8, p3091
- ISSN
0937-4477
- Publication type
Article
- DOI
10.1007/s00405-021-06615-w