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Rapid Transmission of Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 in Detention Facility, Louisiana, USA, May-June, 2020.

Authors :
Wallace M
James AE
Silver R
Koh M
Tobolowsky FA
Simonson S
Gold JAW
Fukunaga R
Njuguna H
Bordelon K
Wortham J
Coughlin M
Harcourt JL
Tamin A
Whitaker B
Thornburg NJ
Tao Y
Queen K
Uehara A
Paden CR
Zhang J
Tong S
Haydel D
Tran H
Kim K
Fisher KA
Marlow M
Tate JE
Doshi RH
Sokol T
Curran KG
Source :
Emerging infectious diseases [Emerg Infect Dis] 2021 Feb; Vol. 27 (2), pp. 421-429. Date of Electronic Publication: 2021 Jan 04.
Publication Year :
2021

Abstract

To assess transmission of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) in a detention facility experiencing a coronavirus disease outbreak and evaluate testing strategies, we conducted a prospective cohort investigation in a facility in Louisiana, USA. We conducted SARS-CoV-2 testing for detained persons in 6 quarantined dormitories at various time points. Of 143 persons, 53 were positive at the initial test, and an additional 58 persons were positive at later time points (cumulative incidence 78%). In 1 dormitory, all 45 detained persons initially were negative; 18 days later, 40 (89%) were positive. Among persons who were SARS-CoV-2 positive, 47% (52/111) were asymptomatic at the time of specimen collection; 14 had replication-competent virus isolated. Serial SARS-CoV-2 testing might help interrupt transmission through medical isolation and quarantine. Testing in correctional and detention facilities will be most effective when initiated early in an outbreak, inclusive of all exposed persons, and paired with infection prevention and control.

Details

Language :
English
ISSN :
1080-6059
Volume :
27
Issue :
2
Database :
MEDLINE
Journal :
Emerging infectious diseases
Publication Type :
Academic Journal
Accession number :
33395380
Full Text :
https://doi.org/10.3201/eid2702.204158