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Howe R, Grice C, Costello F, Downey V, Sammin D, Perrotta C, Mulcahy G, Walshe N. COVID-19 transmission between the community and meat processing plants in Ireland: A retrospective modelling study. Heliyon 2024; 10:e30919. [PMID: 38803892 PMCID: PMC11128868 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2024.e30919] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/12/2023] [Revised: 05/07/2024] [Accepted: 05/08/2024] [Indexed: 05/29/2024] Open
Abstract
Outbreaks of COVID-19 in meat processing plants (MPPs) were recorded globally throughout the pandemic. There was speculation these outbreaks resulted in dissemination of COVID-19 throughout the surrounding county leading to high incidence rates. We aimed to investigate the dynamics of spread between MPPs and their surrounding counties. In this retrospective longitudinal study, data were collected on the number and size of outbreaks in 33 MPPs and county infections in Ireland between March 2020 and May 2021. These data were used to investigate the relationship between outbreaks in MPPs and county infection rates through statistical analysis, and the development of a novel SEIR model. We found an association between the number of MPPs present in a county and county incidence rates, however, incidence rates in the counties did not increase as a consequence of an outbreak in an MPP. The model results indicate that county incidence rates in the weeks prior to an MPP outbreak could reliably predict the size of that outbreak in a plant, r(49) = 0·62, p < 0·0001, RMSD = 5·6. In Ireland, outbreaks in MPPs were strongly correlated with high levels of infection in the surrounding county, rather than being a driver of infection in the county. The modified SEIR model described here can provide an explanation of the generative process required to cause outbreaks of the size and scale that occur in MPPs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rita Howe
- School of Public Health, Physiotherapy, and Sports Science, University College Dublin, Ireland
| | - Charlene Grice
- School of Veterinary Medicine and Conway Institute, University College Dublin, Ireland
- Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine, Ireland
| | - Fintan Costello
- School of Computer Science, University College Dublin, Ireland
| | - Vicky Downey
- School of Public Health, Physiotherapy, and Sports Science, University College Dublin, Ireland
| | - Donal Sammin
- Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine, Ireland
| | - Carla Perrotta
- School of Public Health, Physiotherapy, and Sports Science, University College Dublin, Ireland
| | - Grace Mulcahy
- School of Veterinary Medicine and Conway Institute, University College Dublin, Ireland
| | - Nicola Walshe
- School of Veterinary Medicine and Conway Institute, University College Dublin, Ireland
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Chen Y, Beattie H, Simpson A, Nicholls G, Sandys V, Keen C, Curran AD. A COVID-19 Outbreak in a Large Meat-Processing Plant in England: Transmission Risk Factors and Controls. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2023; 20:6806. [PMID: 37835076 PMCID: PMC10572747 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph20196806] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/21/2023] [Revised: 08/11/2023] [Accepted: 09/19/2023] [Indexed: 10/15/2023]
Abstract
The meat-processing industry had frequent COVID-19 outbreaks reported worldwide. In May 2021, a large meat-processing plant in the UK had an outbreak affecting 4.1% (63/1541) of workers. A rapid on-site investigation was conducted to understand the virus transmission risk factors and control measures. This included observational assessments of work activities, control measures, real-time environmental measurements and surface microbial sampling. The production night-shift attack rate (11.6%, 44/380) was nearly five times higher than the production day-shift (2.4%, 9/380). Shared work transport was provided to 150 staff per dayshift and 104 per nightshift. Production areas were noisy (≥80 dB(A)) and physical distancing was difficult to maintain. Face visors were mandatory, additional face coverings were required for some activities but not always worn. The refrigeration system continuously recirculated chilled air. In some areas, the mean temperature was as low as 4.5 °C and mean relative humidity (RH) was as high as 96%. The adequacy of ventilation in the production areas could not be assessed reliably using CO2, due to the use of CO2 in the packaging process. While there were challenges in the production areas, the observed COVID-19 control measures were generally implemented well in the non-production areas. Sixty surface samples from all areas were tested for SARS-CoV-2 RNA and 11.7% were positive. Multi-layered measures, informed by a workplace specific risk assessment, are required to prevent and control workplace outbreaks of COVID-19 or other similar respiratory infectious diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yiqun Chen
- Science Division, Health and Safety Executive, Buxton SK17 9JN, UK
| | - Helen Beattie
- Science Division, Health and Safety Executive, Buxton SK17 9JN, UK
| | - Andrew Simpson
- Science Division, Health and Safety Executive, Buxton SK17 9JN, UK
| | - Gillian Nicholls
- Science Division, Health and Safety Executive, Buxton SK17 9JN, UK
| | - Vince Sandys
- Science Division, Health and Safety Executive, Buxton SK17 9JN, UK
| | - Chris Keen
- Science Division, Health and Safety Executive, Buxton SK17 9JN, UK
| | - Andrew D Curran
- Science Division, Health and Safety Executive, Buxton SK17 9JN, UK
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Choi S, Son TJ, Lee YK. Risk factors for COVID-19 outbreaks in livestock slaughtering and processing facilities in Republic of Korea. Osong Public Health Res Perspect 2023; 14:207-218. [PMID: 37415438 PMCID: PMC10522823 DOI: 10.24171/j.phrp.2023.0035] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/07/2023] [Revised: 03/28/2023] [Accepted: 03/31/2023] [Indexed: 07/08/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The goal of this study was to help prevent and control the spread of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) by identifying transmission routes and risk factors in livestock slaughtering and processing facilities (SPFs) and establishing an optimal intervention strategy for outbreaks. METHODS This case series study was a demographic analysis of patients with confirmed COVID-19 associated with 5 SPFs in Korea between January and June 2021. Additionally, in a retrospective cohort study, the association between COVID-19 infection and risk factors was analyzed for SPFs at which outbreaks occurred. RESULTS The COVID-19 attack rates were 11.2%, 24.5%, and 6.8% at 3 poultry SPFs (PSPFs) and 15.5% and 25.2% at 2 mammal SPFs (MSPFs). Regarding spatial risk factors, the COVID-19 risk levels were 12.1-, 5.2-, and 5.0-fold higher in the refrigeration/ freezing, by-product processing, and carcass cutting areas, respectively, than in the office area. The risk of COVID-19 infection was 2.1 times higher among employees of subcontractors than among employees of contractors. The COVID-19 risk levels were 5.3- and 3.0-fold higher in foreign workers than in native Korean workers in the PSPFs and MSPFs, respectively. CONCLUSION As the COVID-19 pandemic continues, a detailed policy for infectious disease prevention and control intervention is needed, without interrupting economic activities. Thus, we propose an ideal intervention plan to prevent COVID-19 through disinfection and preemptive testing and to block its transmission through effective contact management during outbreaks at SPFs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Seongju Choi
- Division of Infectious Disease Response, Gyeongbuk Regional Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency, Daegu, Republic of Korea
| | - Tae Jong Son
- Division of Infectious Disease Response, Gyeongbuk Regional Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency, Daegu, Republic of Korea
| | - Yeon-Kyung Lee
- Division of Healthcare Associated Infection Control, Bureau of Healthcare Safety and Immunization, Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency, Cheongju, Republic of Korea
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de Rooij MM, Sikkema RS, Bouwknegt M, de Geus Y, Stanoeva KR, Nieuwenweg S, van Dam AS, Raben C, Dohmen W, Heederik D, Reusken C, Meijer A, Koopmans MP, Franz E, Smit LA. A Comprehensive Sampling Study on SARS-CoV-2 Contamination of Air and Surfaces in a Large Meat Processing Plant Experiencing COVID-19 Clusters in June 2020. J Occup Environ Med 2023; 65:e227-e233. [PMID: 36640441 PMCID: PMC10090283 DOI: 10.1097/jom.0000000000002785] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/15/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE We aimed to assess SARS-CoV-2 contamination of air and surfaces to gain insight into potential occupational exposure in a large meat processing plant experiencing COVID-19 clusters. Methods: Oro-nasopharyngeal SARS-CoV-2 screening was performed in 76 workers. Environmental samples ( n = 275) including air, ventilation systems, sewage, and swabs of high-touch surfaces and workers' hands were tested for SARS-CoV-2 RNA by real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction. Results: Twenty-seven (35.5%) of the (predominantly asymptomatic) workers tested positive with modest to low viral loads (cycle threshold ≥ 29.7). Six of 203 surface swabs, 1 of 12 personal air samples, and one of four sewage samples tested positive; other samples tested negative. Conclusions: Although one third of workers tested positive, environmental contamination was limited. Widespread SARS-CoV-2 transmission via air and surfaces was considered unlikely within this plant at the time of investigation while strict COVID-19 control measures were already implemented.
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Zhang M, King MD. Temporal Variation of SARS-CoV-2 Levels in Wastewater from a Meat Processing Plant. Microorganisms 2023; 11:microorganisms11010174. [PMID: 36677465 PMCID: PMC9864470 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms11010174] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2022] [Revised: 01/04/2023] [Accepted: 01/07/2023] [Indexed: 01/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Wastewater-based surveillance (WBS) on SARS-CoV-2 has been proved to be an effective approach to estimate the prevalence of COVID-19 in communities and cities. However, its application was overlooked at smaller scale, such as a single facility. Meat processing plants are hotspots for COVID-19 outbreaks due to their unique environment that are favorable for the survival and persistence of SARS-CoV-2. This is the first known WBS study in meat processing plants. The goal was to understand the temporal variation of the SARS-CoV-2 levels in wastewater from a meat processing plant in Canada during a three-month campaign and to find any correlation with clinically confirmed cases in the surrounding city area. Higher SARS-CoV-2 concentrations and detection frequencies were observed in the solid fraction compared to the liquid fraction of the wastewater. The viruses can be preserved in the solid fraction of wastewater for up to 12 days. The wastewater virus level did not correlate to the city-wide COVID-19 cases due to the unmatching scales. WBS on SARS-CoV-2 in meat processing plants can be useful for identifying COVID-19 outbreaks in the facility and serve as an effective alternative when resources for routine individual testing are not available.
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Harasym MC, Raju E, Ayeb-Karlsson S. A global mental health opportunity: How can cultural concepts of distress broaden the construct of immobility? GLOBAL ENVIRONMENTAL CHANGE : HUMAN AND POLICY DIMENSIONS 2022; 77:102594. [PMID: 36407678 PMCID: PMC9651962 DOI: 10.1016/j.gloenvcha.2022.102594] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/20/2022] [Revised: 07/28/2022] [Accepted: 10/03/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
(Im)mobility studies often focus on people on the move, neglecting those who stay, are immobile, or are trapped. The duality of the COVID-19 pandemic and the climate crisis creates a global mental health challenge, impacting the most structurally oppressed, including immobile populations. The construct of immobility is investigated in the context of socio-political variables but lacks examination of the clinical psychological factors that impact immobility. Research is beginning to identify self-reported emotions that immobile populations experience through describing metaphors like feeling trapped. This article identifies links in the literature between Cultural Concepts of Distress drawn from transcultural psychiatry and immobility studies. Feeling trapped is described in mental health research widely. Among (im)mobile people and non-mobility contexts, populations experience various mental health conditions from depression to the cultural syndrome, nervios. The connection of feeling trapped to CCD research lends itself to potential utility in immobility research. The conceptualisation can support broadening and deepening the comprehension of this global mental health challenge - how immobile populations' experience feeling trapped. To broaden the analytical framework of immobility and incorporate CCD, evidence is needed to fill the gaps on the psychological aspects of immobility research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mary C Harasym
- United Nations University Institute for Environment and Human Security (UNU-EHS), Bonn, Germany
| | - Emmanuel Raju
- Global Health Section and Copenhagen Centre for Disaster Research, Department of Public Health, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
- African Centre for Disaster Studies, North-West University, Potchefstroom, South Africa
| | - Sonja Ayeb-Karlsson
- Institute for Risk and Disaster Reduction, University College London (IRDR), University College London (UCL), London, UK
- United Nations University Institute for Environment and Human Security (UNU-EHS), Bonn, Germany
- School of Global Studies, University of Sussex, Falmer Brighton, UK
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Luong NDM, Guillier L, Martin-Latil S, Batejat C, Leclercq I, Druesne C, Sanaa M, Chaix E. Database of SARS-CoV-2 and coronaviruses kinetics relevant for assessing persistence in food processing plants. Sci Data 2022; 9:654. [PMID: 36289246 PMCID: PMC9606249 DOI: 10.1038/s41597-022-01763-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/27/2022] [Accepted: 10/10/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
SARS-CoV-2 (Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2), a virus causing severe acute respiratory disease in humans, emerged in late 2019. This respiratory virus can spread via aerosols, fomites, contaminated hands or surfaces as for other coronaviruses. Studying their persistence under different environmental conditions represents a key step for better understanding the virus transmission. This work aimed to present a reproducible procedure for collecting data of stability and inactivation kinetics from the scientific literature. The aim was to identify data useful for characterizing the persistence of viruses in the food production plants. As a result, a large dataset related to persistence on matrices or in liquid media under different environmental conditions is presented. This procedure, combining bibliographic survey, data digitalization techniques and predictive microbiological modelling, identified 65 research articles providing 455 coronaviruses kinetics. A ranking step as well as a technical validation with a Gage Repeatability & Reproducibility process were performed to check the quality of the kinetics. All data were deposited in public repositories for future uses by other researchers. Measurement(s) | Decimal reduction time | Technology Type(s) | Modelling of kinetics | Factor Type(s) | Temperature • Relative humidity • Genus • Strain | Sample Characteristic - Organism | Coronaviridae |
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Affiliation(s)
- Ngoc-Du Martin Luong
- grid.15540.350000 0001 0584 7022Risk Assessment Department, ANSES, Maisons-Alfort, France
| | - Laurent Guillier
- grid.15540.350000 0001 0584 7022Risk Assessment Department, ANSES, Maisons-Alfort, France
| | - Sandra Martin-Latil
- grid.466400.0Laboratory for Food Safety, ANSES, University of Paris-EST, Maisons-Alfort, France
| | - Christophe Batejat
- grid.428999.70000 0001 2353 6535Institut Pasteur, Université Paris Cité, Environment and Infectious Risks Unit, Laboratory for Urgent Response to Biological Threats (CIBU), Paris, France
| | - India Leclercq
- grid.428999.70000 0001 2353 6535Institut Pasteur, Université Paris Cité, Environment and Infectious Risks Unit, Laboratory for Urgent Response to Biological Threats (CIBU), Paris, France
| | - Christine Druesne
- grid.15540.350000 0001 0584 7022Research fundings & scientific watch department, ANSES, Maisons-Alfort, France
| | - Moez Sanaa
- grid.15540.350000 0001 0584 7022Risk Assessment Department, ANSES, Maisons-Alfort, France
| | - Estelle Chaix
- grid.15540.350000 0001 0584 7022Risk Assessment Department, ANSES, Maisons-Alfort, France
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Hosseini P, Mueller W, Rhodes S, Pembrey L, van Tongeren M, Pearce N, Loh M, Fletcher T. Transmission and Control of SARS-CoV-2 in the Food Production Sector: A Rapid Narrative Review of the Literature. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2022; 19:12104. [PMID: 36231415 PMCID: PMC9566159 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph191912104] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/26/2022] [Revised: 09/16/2022] [Accepted: 09/22/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
This review aimed to provide an overview of the literature assessing the extent of COVID-19 transmission in the food processing sector along with the risk factors associated with COVID-19 infection/mortality rates in this setting, and the preventive measures used to reduce transmission. An electronic search was conducted using scientific databases, including Web of Science, OVID, PubMed and MedRxiv. The search strategy identified 26 papers that met the inclusion criteria. Six of these studies were based in the UK and the country with the most papers was the USA, with a total of nine papers. Findings showed some evidence of a high transmission level of SARS-CoV-2 within some areas of the food production sector. Risk factors associated with the spread included ethnicity, poor ventilation, lack of social distancing and lack of sick pay. The preventative measures included/recommended were social distancing, testing, adequate ventilation, cleaning regimes and access to PPE. Additional research focusing on the food production sector could show the potential variations in transmission and risk between each sub-sector. Future research focusing on the application of various preventative measures and their efficacy by sub-sector would be beneficial, while further qualitative research could help provide in-depth information regarding knowledge gaps.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paniz Hosseini
- Department of Public Health, Environments and Society, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London WC1E 7HT, UK
| | | | - Sarah Rhodes
- Division of Population Health, Health Services Research & Primary Care, University of Manchester, Manchester M13 9PL, UK
| | - Lucy Pembrey
- Department of Medical Statistics, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London WC1E 7HT, UK
| | - Martie van Tongeren
- Division of Population Health, Health Services Research & Primary Care, University of Manchester, Manchester M13 9PL, UK
| | - Neil Pearce
- Department of Medical Statistics, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London WC1E 7HT, UK
| | - Miranda Loh
- Institute of Occupational Medicine, Edinburgh EH14 4AP, UK
- Division of Population Health, Health Services Research & Primary Care, University of Manchester, Manchester M13 9PL, UK
| | - Tony Fletcher
- Department of Public Health, Environments and Society, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London WC1E 7HT, UK
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