Nosocomial transmission and outbreaks of coronavirus disease 2019: the need to protect both patients and healthcare workers

ObjectivesTo compile current published reports on nosocomial outbreaks of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), evaluate the role of healthcare workers (HCWs) in transmission, and evaluate outbreak management practices. MethodsNarrative literature review. Short conclusionThe coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has placed a large burden on hospitals and healthcare providers worldwide, which increases the risk of nosocomial transmission and outbreaks to non-COVID patients or residents, who represent the highest-risk population in terms of mortality, as well as HCWs. To date, there are several reports on nosocomial outbreaks of SARS-CoV-2, and although the attack rate is variable, it can be as high as 60%, with high mortality. There is currently little evidence on transmission dynamics, particularly using genomic sequencing, and the role of HCWs in initiating or amplifying nosocomial outbreaks is not elucidated. There has been a paradigm shift in management practices of viral respiratory outbreaks, that includes widespread testing of patients (or residents) and HCWs, including asymptomatic individuals. These expanded testing criteria appear to be crucial in identifying and controlling outbreaks.

Automated summary

The COVID-19 pandemic has significantly impacted hospitals and healthcare providers worldwide, increasing the risk of nosocomial transmission and outbreaks to non-COVID patients or residents, who are at the highest risk of mortality. Reports on nosocomial outbreaks of SARS-CoV-2 have shown variable attack rates of up to 60%, with high mortality. There is limited evidence on transmission dynamics and the role of healthcare workers in initiating or amplifying nosocomial outbreaks, but there has been a shift towards expanded testing criteria for patients and healthcare workers, including asymptomatic individuals, which appears crucial in identifying and controlling outbreaks.