1. "Mass gathering events and COVID-19 transmission in Borriana (Spain): A retrospective cohort study".
- Author
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Domènech-Montoliu S, Pac-Sa MR, Vidal-Utrillas P, Latorre-Poveda M, Del Rio-González A, Ferrando-Rubert S, Ferrer-Abad G, Sánchez-Urbano M, Aparisi-Esteve L, Badenes-Marques G, Cervera-Ferrer B, Clerig-Arnau U, Dols-Bernad C, Fontal-Carcel M, Gomez-Lanas L, Jovani-Sales D, León-Domingo MC, Llopico-Vilanova MD, Moros-Blasco M, Notari-Rodríguez C, Ruíz-Puig R, Valls-López S, and Arnedo-Pena A
- Subjects
- Adolescent, Adult, Aged, COVID-19 diagnosis, COVID-19 transmission, COVID-19 virology, COVID-19 Testing, Child, Child, Preschool, Female, Holidays, Humans, Infant, Male, Middle Aged, Retrospective Studies, Risk Factors, SARS-CoV-2 isolation & purification, Spain epidemiology, Surveys and Questionnaires, Young Adult, COVID-19 epidemiology
- Abstract
Objective: Mass gathering events (MGEs) are associated with the transmission of COVID-19. Between 6 and 10 March 2020, several MGEs related to the Falles festival took place in Borriana, a municipality in the province of Castellon (Spain). The aim of this study was to estimate the incidence of COVID-19 and its association with these MGEs, and to quantify the potential risk factors of its occurrence., Methods: During May and June 2020, a population-based retrospective cohort study was carried out by the Public Health Center of Castelló and the Hospital de la Plana in Vila-real. Participants were obtained from a representative sample of 1663 people with potential exposure at six MGEs. A questionnaire survey was carried out to obtain information about attendance at MGEs and COVID-19 disease. In addition, a serologic survey of antibodies against SARS-Cov-2 was implemented. Inverse probability weighted regression was used in the statistical analysis., Results: A total of 1338 subjects participated in the questionnaire survey (80.5%), 997 of whom undertook the serologic survey. Five hundred and seventy cases were observed with an attack rate (AR) of 42.6%; average age was 36 years, 62.3% were female, 536 cases were confirmed by laboratory tests, and 514 cases were found with SARS-CoV-2 total antibodies. Considering MGE exposure, AR was 39.2% (496/1264). A dose-response relationship was found between MGE attendance and the disease, (adjusted relative risk [aRR] = 4.11 95% confidence interval [CI]3.25-5.19). Two MGEs with a dinner and dance in the same building had higher risks. Associated risk factors with the incidence were older age, obesity, and upper and middle class versus lower class; current smoking was protective., Conclusions: The study suggests the significance of MGEs in the COVID-19 transmission that could explain the subsequent outbreak in Borriana., Competing Interests: The authors have declared that no competing interest exist.
- Published
- 2021
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