Serological prevalence of SARS-CoV-2 infection among prison system workers in the state of Espirito Santo, Brazil, 2020

Objective: To estimate the serological prevalence of SARS-CoV-2 infection among prison system workers in the state of Espirito Santo, Brazil, between August-September 2020. Methods: This was a stratified sample survey, using interviews and serological tests for SARS-CoV-2. Results: Among the 986 interviewers, the serological prevalence of SARS-CoV-2 infection was 11.9% (95%CI 8.1%;15.7%) in health professionals, and 22.1% (95%CI; 18.8%;25.3%) in prison officers. Positivity was more frequent among health professionals in the north of the state (19.7%) and in male prison officers (24.0%). Among seropositive individuals, fatigue was the most frequent symptom in prison agents (13.4%) and myalgia in health professionals (10.8%); and the most prevalent comorbidities among the seropositive individuals were asthma or bronchitis (16.2%), in health professionals, and hypertension in prison officers (12.8%). Conclusion: The serological prevalence of SARS-Cov-2 infection was higher in prison officers, a finding that can support disease control and prevention actions in this scenario.

Automated summary

This study examined the serological prevalence of SARS-CoV-2 infection among prison system workers in Brazil. The results showed a higher infection rate among prison officers, which can support disease control and prevention efforts in this setting.