COVID-19 infection rate among tertiary referral center otorhinolaryngology healthcare workers.

xlomafota13 shared this article with you from Inoreader COVID-19 infection rate among tertiary referral center otorhinolaryngology healthcare workers. Via http://link.springer.com/journal/405,European archives of oto-rhino-laryngology,The European Federation of Oto-Rhino-Laryngological Societies (EUFOS) : affiliated with the German Society for Oto-Rhino Related Articles COVID-19 infection rate among tertiary referral center otorhinolaryngology healthcare workers. Eur Arch Otorhinolaryngol. 2021 Feb 05;: Authors: Rasmussen KMB, Andersen PA, Channir HI, Aanæs K, Knudsen JD, Kirkeby NS, Klokker M, von Buchwald C, Cayé-Thomasen P, Jensen RG 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. PMID: 33544196 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher] View on the web Inoreader. Take back control of your news feed. Follow us on Twitter and Facebook.