Changes in Acute Respiratory Infection Before and After COVID-19

Objective: During the outbreak of COVID-19,several coping strategies were implemented including strengthened social distancing, wearing masks and hand hygiene. Thisinfection control method might have been effective for other respiratory infections; however, it had not yet been clearly revealed. Therefore,we investigatedwhetherthe incidence of infectious respiratory diseases has reduced after excluding the effect of decreased medical utilization because of COVID-19 control measures.Design or methods: We used the Korean national claims data and analyzed incidences of acute respiratory infections (ARI) and diseases except ARI. The incidence rates of winter 2019 and 2020 were compared.Results: Excluding ARI,the reduction in overall hospital visits decreased by only 2%; however,the number of visits due to ARI decreased by 13%, and the number of visits due to influenza particularly decreased by 26%.Conclusions: Using national database, this study confirmed that a significant reduction in ARI, including influenza, occurred during the COVID-19 pandemic. Infection control measures including nationally enforced social distancing may be effective in controlling the transmission of other respiratory infections. Further studies are necessary to clarify the causal relationship.

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Estimating the consequences of a COVID-19 super spreader: A stochastic model of a night on the town

Scandinavian Journal of Public Health ◽

10.1177/14034948211031400 ◽

2021 ◽

pp. 140349482110314

Author(s):

Nils Henrik Kolnes ◽

Snorre Nilsen Eikeland ◽

Tor Albert Ersdal ◽

Geir Sverre Braut

Keyword(s):

Infection Control ◽

Stochastic Model ◽

Control Measures ◽

Social Distancing ◽

Infection Control Measures ◽

Local Municipality ◽

The Town

A stochastic model estimated the consequences of a COVID-19 super spreader event occurring in the local municipality of Stavanger, Norway as a result of a night on the town. The model imposed different infection control regulations and compared these different scenarios. For Stavanger’s 161 locations of service, secondary transmissions from a super spreader event was estimated to infect a median of 37, requiring the quarantining of 200 guests given no infection control regulations, 23 and 167 when imposing social distancing regulations and other hygienic infection control measures, 7 infected and 63 quarantined guests with restrictions placed on the guest capacity, and 4 infected and 57 quarantined guests with both forms of restriction in use.

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Reduction in mobility and COVID-19 transmission

Nature Communications ◽

10.1038/s41467-021-21358-2 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 12 (1) ◽

Cited By ~ 7

Author(s):

Pierre Nouvellet ◽

Sangeeta Bhatia ◽

Anne Cori ◽

Kylie E. C. Ainslie ◽

Marc Baguelin ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Predictive Ability ◽

Control Measures ◽

Social Distancing ◽

Beneficial Effects ◽

Mobility Data ◽

Strict Control ◽

Before And After ◽

Proxy Measure ◽

Lower Transmission ◽

The Relationship

AbstractIn response to the COVID-19 pandemic, countries have sought to control SARS-CoV-2 transmission by restricting population movement through social distancing interventions, thus reducing the number of contacts. Mobility data represent an important proxy measure of social distancing, and here, we characterise the relationship between transmission and mobility for 52 countries around the world. Transmission significantly decreased with the initial reduction in mobility in 73% of the countries analysed, but we found evidence of decoupling of transmission and mobility following the relaxation of strict control measures for 80% of countries. For the majority of countries, mobility explained a substantial proportion of the variation in transmissibility (median adjusted R-squared: 48%, interquartile range - IQR - across countries [27–77%]). Where a change in the relationship occurred, predictive ability decreased after the relaxation; from a median adjusted R-squared of 74% (IQR across countries [49–91%]) pre-relaxation, to a median adjusted R-squared of 30% (IQR across countries [12–48%]) post-relaxation. In countries with a clear relationship between mobility and transmission both before and after strict control measures were relaxed, mobility was associated with lower transmission rates after control measures were relaxed indicating that the beneficial effects of ongoing social distancing behaviours were substantial.

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Weekly SARS-CoV-2 sentinel in primary schools, kindergartens and nurseries, June to November 2020, Germany

10.1101/2021.01.22.21249971 ◽

2021 ◽

Author(s):

Martin Hoch ◽

Sebastian Vogel ◽

Laura Kolberg ◽

Elisabeth Dick ◽

Volker Fingerle ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Infection Control ◽

Primary Schools ◽

Incidence Rates ◽

Control Measures ◽

Infection Control Measures

AbstractA 12-week sentinel programme monitored SARS-CoV-2 in primary schools, kindergartens and nurseries. Out of 3169 oropharyngeal swabs, only two tested positive on rRT-PCR while general incidence rates were surging. Thus, children attending respective institutions are not significantly contributing to the pandemic spread when appropriate infection control measures are in place.

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Detection of the Middle East Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus Genome in an Air Sample Originating from a Camel Barn Owned by an Infected Patient

mBio ◽

10.1128/mbio.01450-14 ◽

2014 ◽

Vol 5 (4) ◽

Cited By ~ 65

Author(s):

Esam I. Azhar ◽

Anwar M. Hashem ◽

Sherif A. El-Kafrawy ◽

Sayed Sartaj Sohrab ◽

Asad S. Aburizaiza ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Middle East ◽

Respiratory Infections ◽

Middle East Respiratory Syndrome ◽

Control Measures ◽

Infection Prevention And Control ◽

Infection Control Measures ◽

Air Sample ◽

Prevention And Control Measures ◽

Animal Exposure ◽

And Control

ABSTRACT Middle East respiratory syndrome coronavirus (MERS-CoV) is a novel betacoronavirus that has been circulating in the Arabian Peninsula since 2012 and causing severe respiratory infections in humans. While bats were suggested to be involved in human MERS-CoV infections, a direct link between bats and MERS-CoV is uncertain. On the other hand, serological and virological data suggest dromedary camels as the potential animal reservoirs of MERS-CoV. Recently, we isolated MERS-CoV from a camel and its infected owner and provided evidence for the direct transmission of MERS-CoV from the infected camel to the patient. Here, we extend this work and show that identical MERS-CoV RNA fragments were detected in an air sample collected from the same barn that sheltered the infected camel in our previous study. These data indicate that the virus was circulating in this farm concurrently with its detection in the camel and in the patient, which warrants further investigations for the possible airborne transmission of MERS-CoV. IMPORTANCE This work clearly highlights the importance of continuous surveillance and infection control measures to control the global public threat of MERS-CoV. While current MERS-CoV transmission appears to be limited, we advise minimal contact with camels, especially for immunocompromised individuals, and the use of appropriate health, safety, and infection prevention and control measures when dealing with infected patients. Also, detailed clinical histories of any MERS-CoV cases with epidemiological and laboratory investigations carried out for any animal exposure must be considered to identify any animal source.

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Atypical symptoms, SARS-CoV-2 test results, and immunization rates in 456 residents from eight nursing homes facing a COVID-19 outbreak

Age and Ageing ◽

10.1093/ageing/afab050 ◽

2021 ◽

Author(s):

Hubert Blain ◽

Lucie Gamon ◽

Edouard Tuaillon ◽

Amandine Pisoni ◽

Nadia Giacosa ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Nursing Homes ◽

Behavioural Change ◽

Testing Temperature ◽

Control Measures ◽

Test Results ◽

Atypical Symptoms ◽

Infection Control Measures ◽

Immunization Rates ◽

Before And After ◽

Frail Older Persons

Abstract Background Frail older persons may have an atypical presentation of COVID-19. The value of rRT-PCR testing for identifying SARS-CoV-2 nursing homes (NH) residents is not known. Objective To determine whether (i) atypical symptoms may predict rRT-PCR results and (ii) rRT-PCR results may predict immunization against SARS-CoV-2 in NH residents. Design A retrospective longitudinal study. Setting eight NHs with at least ten rRT-PCR-positive residents. Subjects 456 residents. Methods Typical and atypical symptoms recorded in residents’ files during the 14 days before and after rRT-PCR testing were analyzed. Residents underwent blood testing for IgG-SARS-CoV-2 nucleocapsid protein 6 to 8 weeks after testing. Univariate and multivariate analyses compared symptoms and immunization rates in rRT-PCR-positive and negative residents. Results 161 residents had a positive rRT-PCR (35.3%), 17.4% of whom were asymptomatic before testing. Temperature > 37.8°C, oxygen saturation < 90%, unexplained anorexia, behavioural change, exhaustion, malaise, and falls before testing were independent predictors of a further positive rRT-PCR. Among the rRT-PCR-positive residents, 95.2% developed SARS-CoV-2 antibodies vs 7.6% in the rRT-PCR-negative residents. Among the residents with a negative rRT-PCR, those who developed SARS-CoV-2 antibodies more often had typical or atypical symptoms (p = 0.02 and < 0.01, respectively). Conclusion This study supports a strategy based on (i) testing residents with typical or unexplained atypical symptoms for an early identification of the first SARS-CoV-2 cases, (ii) rT-PCR testing for identifying COVID-19 residents, (iii) repeated wide-facility testing (including asymptomatic cases) as soon as a resident is tested positive for SARS-CoV-2, and (iv) implementing SARS-CoV-2 infection control measures in rRT-PCR-negative residents when they have unexplained typical or atypical symptoms.

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Using Blended and Virtual Schwartz Center Rounds® to Support Maternity Staff in Ireland During the Covid-19 Pandemic

Journal Of Nursing Practice ◽

10.30994/jnp.v5i1.160 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 5 (1) ◽

pp. 108-119

Author(s):

Jean Doherty ◽

Clara K Devine ◽

Sarah Cullen

Keyword(s):

Public Health ◽

Well Being ◽

Control Measures ◽

Free Text ◽

Ethical Challenges ◽

Staff Support ◽

Social Distancing ◽

Safe Environment ◽

Health Measures ◽

Infection Control Measures

Background: Many staff supports, such as the internationally accredited Schwartz Center Rounds were suspended worldwide during the Covid-19 restrictions, at a time when they were most needed. Schwartz Rounds are multi-disciplinary forums where staff can discuss the emotional, social and ethical challenges of care in a confidential and safe environment, intending to improve staff well-being and patient care. In a bid to improve staff support after the suspension of full Schwartz Rounds, virtual, then blended (limited spaces for socially distanced in-person attendance and virtual access) Rounds were initiated.Purpose: This study aimed to evaluate Schwartz Rounds in a maternity setting in Ireland and compare full-in person Rounds with virtual and blended Rounds.Methods: Standard Schwartz Rounds evaluation forms were completed by Rounds attendees. Data were analysed using SPSS (Version 24). Respondents were invited to include a comment at the end of the form, and these free-text comments were analysed thematically.Results: Six Rounds were evaluated (2 full in-person Rounds attended before the pandemic, 1 virtual, 3 blended) and a total of 115 evaluation forms were completed. The Rounds were rated extremely high. Some, but not all aspects of the Rounds were rated more positively from the full in-person Rounds. Some technical difficulties were a barrier to fully experiencing the Round when attending remotely.Conclusion: Schwartz Rounds are attended by staff in over 560 healthcare organisations, internationally and have been reported to improve staff well-being and teamwork. The pandemic saw Schwartz Rounds being suspended in most organisations due to social distancing guidelines. Virtual and blended Rounds are recommended as an effective replacement for full Schwartz Rounds while social distancing and infection control measures are in place. However, in order to improve post-panellist discussion and gain the full Schwartz Round experience, recommencement of full, in-person Rounds are recommended as soon as public health measures allow

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C.1 Time Metrics and Clinical Outcomes of Thrombectomy in Acute Stroke Patients Before and After Implementation of COVID-19 Infection Protocols in Nine Canadian Stroke Centres

Canadian Journal of Neurological Sciences / Journal Canadien des Sciences Neurologiques ◽

10.1017/cjn.2021.277 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 48 (s3) ◽

pp. S18-S18

Author(s):

S Zhu ◽

V Tsehmaister-Abitbul ◽

G Stotts ◽

R Fahed ◽

H Pettem ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Infection Control ◽

Clinical Outcomes ◽

Control Measures ◽

Hospital Arrival ◽

Infection Control Measures ◽

Significant Difference ◽

Before And After ◽

Baseline Characteristics ◽

Stroke Center ◽

The Impact

Background: The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has led an implementation of institutional infection control protocols. This study will determine the effects of these protocols on outcomes of acute ischemic stroke (AIS) patients treated with endovascular therapy (EVT). Methods: Uninterrupted time series analysis of the impact of COVID-19 safety protocols on AIS patients undergoing EVT. We analyze data from prospectively collected quality improvement databases at 9 centers from March 11, 2019 to March 10, 2021. The primary outcome is 90-day modified Rankin Score (mRS). The secondary outcomes are angiographic time metrics. Results: Preliminary analysis of one stroke center included 214 EVT patients (n=144 pre-pandemic). Baseline characteristics were comparable between the two periods. Time metrics “last seen normal to puncture” (305.7 vs 407.2 min; p=0.05) and “hospital arrival to puncture” (80.4 vs 121.2 min; p=0.04) were significantly longer during pandemic compared to pre-pandemic. We found no significant difference in 90-day mRS (2.0 vs 2.2; p=0.506) or successful EVT rate (89.6% vs 90%; p=0.93). Conclusions: Our results indicate an increase in key time metrics of EVT in AIS during the pandemic, likely related to infection control measures. Despite the delays, we found no difference in clinical outcomes between the two periods.

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Comparison of Four Molecular In Vitro Diagnostic Assays for the Detection of SARS-CoV-2 in Nasopharyngeal Specimens

10.1101/2020.04.17.20069864 ◽

2020 ◽

Cited By ~ 2

Author(s):

Wei Zhen ◽

Ryhana Manji ◽

Elizabeth Smith ◽

Gregory J. Berry

Keyword(s):

Respiratory Infections ◽

Clinical Performance ◽

Control Measures ◽

Molecular Diagnostic ◽

Analytical Sensitivity ◽

The Novel ◽

Diagnostic Assays ◽

Infection Control Measures ◽

In Vitro Diagnostic

AbstractThe novel human coronavirus SARS-CoV-2 was first discovered in the city of Wuhan, Hubei province, China, causing an outbreak of pneumonia in January 2020. As of April 10, 2020, the virus has rapidly disseminated to over 200 countries and territories, causing more than 1.6 million confirmed cases of COVID-19 and 97,000 deaths worldwide. The clinical presentation of COVID-19 is fairly non-specific, and symptoms overlap with other seasonal respiratory infections concurrently circulating in the population. Further, it is estimated that up to 80% of infected individuals experience mild symptoms or are asymptomatic, confounding efforts to reliably diagnose COVID-19 empirically. To support infection control measures, there is an urgent need for rapid and accurate molecular diagnostics to identify COVID-19 positive patients. In the present study, we have evaluated the analytical sensitivity and clinical performance of four SARS-CoV-2 molecular diagnostic assays granted Emergency Use Authorization by the FDA using nasopharyngeal swabs from symptomatic patients. This information is crucial for both laboratories and clinical teams, as decisions on which testing platform to implement are made.

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Hand hygiene and catheter related bacteraemia rates in ICU patients in Latvia during five years, before and after interventions

International Journal of Infection Control ◽

10.3396/ijic.v12i2.009.16 ◽

2016 ◽

Vol 12 (2) ◽

Cited By ~ 1

Author(s):

Agita Melbarde-Kelmere ◽

Uga Dumpis

Keyword(s):

Hand Hygiene ◽

Hand Hygiene Compliance ◽

Control Measures ◽

Patient Treatment ◽

Evidence Based ◽

Icu Patients ◽

Infection Control Measures ◽

Before And After ◽

Bed Days ◽

Hygiene Compliance

Implementation of a procedure of evidence-based measures resulted in reduced incidence of catheter related bacteraemia from 13.3 to 2.1 cases per 1000 bed days. This improved the results of patient treatment, and shortened the length of hospitalisation. Correct personnel hand hygiene is one of the infection control measures. The results obtained during the study showed that at the beginning hand hygiene compliance indicators were very low (8%), but after implementing targeted measures, these results improved.

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Tuberculosis in Health Care Workers and the Impact of Implementation of Hospital Infection-Control Measures

Workplace Health & Safety ◽

10.1177/2165079920919133 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 68 (11) ◽

pp. 519-525

Author(s):

Ana Cláudia Vasconcellos Azeredo ◽

Sizuane Rieger Holler ◽

Ellis Gabriela Correa de Almeida ◽

Otávio Augusto Gonçalves Dias Cionek ◽

Marcelle Martinez Loureiro ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Health Care ◽

Infection Control ◽

Health Care Workers ◽

Control Measures ◽

Control Plan ◽

Infection Control Measures ◽

Care Workers ◽

Hospital Infection Control ◽

Before And After ◽

The Impact

Background: Most studies that have evaluated the impact of infection-control measures (ICM) reported a decrease in latent tuberculosis (TB) and not in TB. The objective of this study was to evaluate the impact of ICM on TB incidence among Health Care Workers (HCW’s). Methods: We conducted a retrospective record review study in a general, tertiary care, university-affiliated hospital. All TB case reports among HCWs in the hospital from 2005 to 2018 were reviewed. The TB incidence was measured before and after 2012 to evaluate the impact of ICM implemented. Findings: In total, there were 53 TB cases. The number of TB cases before and after the implementation of ICM was 42 (incidence: 100.0 cases/100,000 HCWs/year) and 11 (incidence: 26.2 cases/100,000 HCWs/year), respectively ( p < .0001). Conclusions/Application to Practice: TB incidence among HCWs reduced significantly after the implementation of ICM. The establishment of ICM, such as written TB infection control plan, monitoring, screening, training, and education, can reduce TB incidence.

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