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Kozawa K, Higashimoto Y, Kawamura Y, Miura H, Hattori F, Mihara Y, Nakai H, Nishimura N, Ozaki T, Ihira M, Yoshikawa T. Temporal patterns of asymptomatic SARS-CoV-2 infection among pediatric population in Japan: A 3-year analysis. J Med Virol 2024; 96:e29847. [PMID: 39105394 DOI: 10.1002/jmv.29847] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/02/2024] [Revised: 07/02/2024] [Accepted: 07/27/2024] [Indexed: 08/07/2024]
Abstract
To elucidate the seroprevalence and rate of asymptomatic infection with severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) in Japanese children, serological analysis was performed using serum samples collected from March 2020 to February 2023. A total of 1493 serum samples were collected during the first study period (March 2020 to February 2021). None of the serum samples was positive for SARS-CoV-2 antibody. In the second period (March 2021 to February 2022), seven of the 1055 patients (0.7%) experienced SARS-CoV-2 infection. The third period (March 2022 to February 2023) was divided into three terms: from March to June 30, 2022; from July to October 2022; and from November 2022 to February 2023. The seroprevalence gradually increased throughout this period, with rates of 6.0%, 18.6%, and 30.4% in the three terms, respectively. Pediatric cases of asymptomatic SARS-CoV-2 infection occurred after the surge of Omicron variants. Since none of the SARS-CoV-2 antibody-positive patients had a previous history of coronavirus disease 2019, the seroprevalence rate in this study may represent the rate of asymptomatic infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kei Kozawa
- Department of Pediatrics, Fujita Health University School of Medicine, Toyoake, Aichi, Japan
| | - Yuki Higashimoto
- Department of Clinical Microbiology, Fujita Health University School of Medical Sciences, Toyoake, Aichi, Japan
| | - Yoshiki Kawamura
- Department of Pediatrics, Fujita Health University School of Medicine, Toyoake, Aichi, Japan
| | - Hiroki Miura
- Department of Pediatrics, Fujita Health University School of Medicine, Toyoake, Aichi, Japan
| | - Fumihiko Hattori
- Department of Pediatrics, Toyokawa City Hospital, Toyokawa, Aichi, Japan
| | - Yuka Mihara
- Department of Pediatrics, Kariya Toyota General Hospital, Kariya, Aichi, Japan
| | - Hidetaka Nakai
- Department of Pediatrics, Toyokawa City Hospital, Toyokawa, Aichi, Japan
| | - Naoko Nishimura
- Department of Pediatrics, Konan Kosei Hospital, Konan, Aichi, Japan
| | - Takao Ozaki
- Department of Pediatrics, Konan Kosei Hospital, Konan, Aichi, Japan
| | - Masaru Ihira
- Department of Clinical Science for Biological Monitoring, Fujita Health University School of Medical Sciences, Toyoake, Aichi, Japan
| | - Tetsushi Yoshikawa
- Department of Pediatrics, Fujita Health University School of Medicine, Toyoake, Aichi, Japan
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Monge D, Gallego-Gil A, Neria F, Canellas S, Caballero F, Díaz de Bustamante A, Samper M. General infection prevention, mitigation, and control procedures implemented in the university education during the COVID-19 pandemic to achieve classroom attendance: a successful community case study. Front Public Health 2024; 11:1309902. [PMID: 38449900 PMCID: PMC10915036 DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2023.1309902] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/08/2023] [Accepted: 12/21/2023] [Indexed: 03/08/2024] Open
Abstract
Introduction The COVID-19 pandemic entailed confinement and elimination of face-to-face university classes in Spain. The Francisco de Vitoria University in Madrid (UFV by its Spanish acronym) implemented risk management systems to enable on-campus university activity to avoid a negative impact on students, teachers, and faculties. Methods A tracking/registry system was implemented to collect data, identify COVID-19-related cases, implement containment measures, and do follow-up in the UFV community (administration/services personnel [ASP], teaching/research personnel [TRP], and students), from September 2020 to April 2022. In addition, a prevention plan was implemented on campus to avoid COVID-19 spreading. Satisfaction with these measures was assessed through an online questionnaire. Results A total of 7,165 suspected COVID-19 cases (84.7% students, 7.7% ASP, 6.5% TRP) were tracked (62.5% female cases, mean age (±SD) 24.8 years (±9.2 years)), and 45% of them confirmed (82% symptomatic/16% asymptomatic), being the student group that with the highest percentage (38.3% total tracked cases). The source of infection was identified in 50.6% of the confirmed cases (90.2% located off-campus). Nineteen COVID-19 outbreaks were registered (inside-10/outside-9). COVID-19 incidence rates were similar or lower than those reported in the Community of Madrid, except in the last wave, corresponding to Omicron variant. The degree of satisfaction (scale 1-6) with the implemented measures was high (scores 4.48-5.44). Conclusion During the COVID-19 pandemic, UFV control measures, periodic monitoring, and the effectiveness of the tracking system have contributed to maintaining classroom teaching, guaranteeing health and safety. UFV has adapted to a new reality as an example of good practice for future pandemics or emergency situations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Diana Monge
- Facultad de Medicina, Universidad Francisco de Vitoria, Madrid, Spain
| | - Ana Gallego-Gil
- Servicio de Seguridad, Salud y Bienestar, Universidad Francisco de Vitoria, Madrid, Spain
| | - Fernando Neria
- Facultad de Medicina, Universidad Francisco de Vitoria, Madrid, Spain
| | - Soledad Canellas
- Unidad Técnica de Estrategias Poblacionales en Vacuna, Subdirección General de Prevención y Promoción de la Salud, Dirección General de Salud Pública, Madrid, Spain
| | | | - Ana Díaz de Bustamante
- Servicio de Seguridad, Salud y Bienestar, Universidad Francisco de Vitoria, Madrid, Spain
| | - Mónica Samper
- Servicio de Seguridad, Salud y Bienestar, Universidad Francisco de Vitoria, Madrid, Spain
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Murphy C, Lim WW, Mills C, Wong JY, Chen D, Xie Y, Li M, Gould S, Xin H, Cheung JK, Bhatt S, Cowling BJ, Donnelly CA. Effectiveness of social distancing measures and lockdowns for reducing transmission of COVID-19 in non-healthcare, community-based settings. PHILOSOPHICAL TRANSACTIONS. SERIES A, MATHEMATICAL, PHYSICAL, AND ENGINEERING SCIENCES 2023; 381:20230132. [PMID: 37611629 PMCID: PMC10446910 DOI: 10.1098/rsta.2023.0132] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/08/2023] [Accepted: 05/23/2023] [Indexed: 08/25/2023]
Abstract
Social distancing measures (SDMs) are community-level interventions that aim to reduce person-to-person contacts in the community. SDMs were a major part of the responses first to contain, then to mitigate, the spread of SARS-CoV-2 in the community. Common SDMs included limiting the size of gatherings, closing schools and/or workplaces, implementing work-from-home arrangements, or more stringent restrictions such as lockdowns. This systematic review summarized the evidence for the effectiveness of nine SDMs. Almost all of the studies included were observational in nature, which meant that there were intrinsic risks of bias that could have been avoided were conditions randomly assigned to study participants. There were no instances where only one form of SDM had been in place in a particular setting during the study period, making it challenging to estimate the separate effect of each intervention. The more stringent SDMs such as stay-at-home orders, restrictions on mass gatherings and closures were estimated to be most effective at reducing SARS-CoV-2 transmission. Most studies included in this review suggested that combinations of SDMs successfully slowed or even stopped SARS-CoV-2 transmission in the community. However, individual effects and optimal combinations of interventions, as well as the optimal timing for particular measures, require further investigation. This article is part of the theme issue 'The effectiveness of non-pharmaceutical interventions on the COVID-19 pandemic: the evidence'.
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Affiliation(s)
- Caitriona Murphy
- World Health Organization Collaborating Centre for Infectious Disease Epidemiology and Control, School of Public Health, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, People's Republic of China
| | - Wey Wen Lim
- World Health Organization Collaborating Centre for Infectious Disease Epidemiology and Control, School of Public Health, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, People's Republic of China
| | - Cathal Mills
- Department of Statistics, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Jessica Y. Wong
- World Health Organization Collaborating Centre for Infectious Disease Epidemiology and Control, School of Public Health, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, People's Republic of China
| | - Dongxuan Chen
- World Health Organization Collaborating Centre for Infectious Disease Epidemiology and Control, School of Public Health, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, People's Republic of China
- Laboratory of Data Discovery for Health, Hong Kong Science and Technology Park, New Territories, Hong Kong, People's Republic of China
| | - Yanmy Xie
- World Health Organization Collaborating Centre for Infectious Disease Epidemiology and Control, School of Public Health, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, People's Republic of China
| | - Mingwei Li
- World Health Organization Collaborating Centre for Infectious Disease Epidemiology and Control, School of Public Health, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, People's Republic of China
- Laboratory of Data Discovery for Health, Hong Kong Science and Technology Park, New Territories, Hong Kong, People's Republic of China
| | - Susan Gould
- Department of Clinical Sciences, Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine, Liverpool, UK
- Tropical and Infectious Disease Unit, Liverpool University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Liverpool, UK
| | - Hualei Xin
- World Health Organization Collaborating Centre for Infectious Disease Epidemiology and Control, School of Public Health, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, People's Republic of China
| | - Justin K. Cheung
- World Health Organization Collaborating Centre for Infectious Disease Epidemiology and Control, School of Public Health, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, People's Republic of China
| | - Samir Bhatt
- Section of Epidemiology, Department of Public Health, University of Copenhagen, Kobenhavn, Denmark
- MRC Centre for Global Infectious Disease Analysis, Department of Infectious Disease Epidemiology, School of Public Health, Faculty of Medicine, Imperial College London, London, UK
| | - Benjamin J. Cowling
- World Health Organization Collaborating Centre for Infectious Disease Epidemiology and Control, School of Public Health, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, People's Republic of China
- Laboratory of Data Discovery for Health, Hong Kong Science and Technology Park, New Territories, Hong Kong, People's Republic of China
| | - Christl A. Donnelly
- Department of Statistics, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
- MRC Centre for Global Infectious Disease Analysis, Department of Infectious Disease Epidemiology, School of Public Health, Faculty of Medicine, Imperial College London, London, UK
- Pandemic Sciences Institute, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
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Funk T, Espenhain L, Møller FT, Ethelberg S. Factors associated with the formation of SARS-CoV-2 case-clusters in Danish schools: a nationwide register-based observational study. Epidemiol Infect 2023; 151:e168. [PMID: 37466091 PMCID: PMC10600729 DOI: 10.1017/s0950268823001188] [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] [Received: 03/31/2023] [Revised: 06/12/2023] [Accepted: 06/28/2023] [Indexed: 07/20/2023] Open
Abstract
A register-based retrospective observational study was conducted to describe SARS-CoV-2 cases and case-clusters in schoolchildren of Danish primary and lower secondary schools and identify which factors were associated with the occurrence of case-clusters in schools. The study period was the autumn school semester 2021. Clusters were defined as three or more cases in a school-class level within 14 days. Descriptive analysis was carried out and multivariable logistic regression analysis was performed to determine which factors were associated with case introductions (i.e., primary case) being linked to a cluster. More cases and clusters were identified in lower than in higher class levels. Out of 21,497 cases introduced into a school, 41.6% started a cluster. A higher assumed immunity level in a class level was significantly reducing the odds of a case introduction being linked to a cluster (e.g., assumed immunity of ≥80% vs <20%: OR: 0.28; 95%CI: 0.17-0.44). A previous infection (in the primary case) had a protective effect (OR: 0.58; 95%CI: 0.33-0.99). This study suggests that most cases appearing in schools did not induce clusters, but that once cluster occur sizes can be large. It further indicates that vaccination of children markedly reduces the risk of secondary infections.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tjede Funk
- Department of Infectious Disease Epidemiology and Prevention, Statens Serum Institut, Copenhagen, Denmark
- ECDC Fellowship Programme, Field Epidemiology Path (EPIET), European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC), Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Laura Espenhain
- Department of Infectious Disease Epidemiology and Prevention, Statens Serum Institut, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Frederik Trier Møller
- Department of Infectious Disease Epidemiology and Prevention, Statens Serum Institut, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Steen Ethelberg
- Department of Infectious Disease Epidemiology and Prevention, Statens Serum Institut, Copenhagen, Denmark
- Department of Public Health, Global Health Section, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
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Bayhan Gİ, Akça H, Akça Çağlar A, Kurt F, Akcan Yıldız L, Şenel S, Karacan CD. SARS-CoV-2 Transmission among Students after the Full Reopening of Schools. J PEDIAT INF DIS-GER 2022. [DOI: 10.1055/s-0042-1760193] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
Abstract
Objective Closing of schools within the scope of the pandemic measures and switching to online education have negatively affected the mental and physical health of children as well as their education. The effect of complete reopening of schools on the transmission of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) is not fully known. In the 2021–2022 academic year, the Ministry of National Education of Türkiye has decided to continue face-to-face education at all levels and in all private and public schools, by following a series of measures. There are no studies on school transmission reported from Türkiye since then. This study aimed to assess the dynamics of coronavirus diseases 2019 (COVID-19) transmission in schools by evaluating the data of the school contact screening outpatient clinic of a tertiary children's hospital.
Methods According to the Ministry of National Education guidelines in Türkiye, all students in a class with two polymerase chain reaction (PCR)–confirmed COVID-19 cases are sent to their homes and have a SARS-CoV-2 PCR test on the fifth day. While the students with negative test results return to school, students who test positive continue to stay at home until the 10th day. The current study retrospectively analyzed the screening results of primary, middle, and high school students who presented at the school contact screening polyclinic during the first semester of the 2021–2022 academic season.
Discussion There were a total of 11,608 presentations to the school contact screening polyclinic, and 1,107 children tested positive with SARS-CoV-2 PCR (9.5%). The median weekly positivity rate was 9.7% in primary school, 9.4% in middle school, and 5.6% in high school. The weekly positivity rate increased from the 16th week at all school levels; the positivity rates ran in parallel before this time but significantly increased from the 16th week to the half-term break.
Conclusion The curve of the positivity rates in schools was similar to Türkiye's pandemic curve. In this respect, the low SARS-CoV-2 transmission in schools correlated with the low number of cases in the community.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gülsüm İclal Bayhan
- Department of Pediatric Infectious Disease, Medical Faculty of Yildirim Beyazit University, Children's Hospital of Ankara City Hospital, Türkiye
| | - Halise Akça
- Department of Pediatric Emergency Care, Medical Faculty of Yildirim Beyazit University, Children's Hospital of Ankara City Hospital, Türkiye
| | - Ayla Akça Çağlar
- Department of Pediatric Emergency Care, Children's Hospital of Ankara City Hospital, Türkiye
| | - Funda Kurt
- Department of Pediatric Emergency Care, Children's Hospital of Ankara City Hospital, Türkiye
| | - Leman Akcan Yıldız
- Department of Pediatric Emergency Care, Children's Hospital of Ankara City Hospital, Türkiye
| | - Saliha Şenel
- Department of Pediatric Emergency Care, Medical Faculty of Yildirim Beyazit University, Children's Hospital of Ankara City Hospital, Türkiye
| | - Can Demir Karacan
- Department of Pediatric Emergency Care, Medical Faculty of Yildirim Beyazit University, Children's Hospital of Ankara City Hospital, Türkiye
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Gorgels KMF, van Alphen LB, van der Veer BMJW, Hackert VH, Hensels AYJ, Heijer CDJD, Dingemans J, Savelkoul PHM, Hoebe CJPA. Increased transmissibility of SARS-CoV-2 alpha variant (B.1.1.7) in children: three large primary school outbreaks revealed by whole genome sequencing in the Netherlands. BMC Infect Dis 2022; 22:713. [PMID: 36038845 PMCID: PMC9421630 DOI: 10.1186/s12879-022-07623-9] [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: 11/23/2021] [Accepted: 06/07/2022] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Variant of concern (VOC) SARS-CoV-2 alpha variant (B.1.1.7) was the dominant strain in the Netherlands between March 2021–June 2021. We describe three primary school outbreaks due to the alpha variant using whole genome sequencing with evidence of large-scale transmission among children, teachers and their household contacts. Method All outbreaks described were investigated by the South Limburg Public Health Service, the Netherlands. A case was defined as an individual with a real-time polymerase chain reaction test or antigen test positive for SARS-CoV-2. Whole genome sequencing was performed on random samples from at least one child and one teacher of each affected class. Results Peak attack rates in classes were 53%, 33% and 39%, respectively. Specific genotypes were identified for each school across a majority of affected classes. Attack rates were high among staff members, likely to promote staff-to-children transmission. Cases in some classes were limited to children, indicating child-to-child transmission. At 39%, the secondary attack rate (SAR) in household contacts of infected children was remarkably high, similar to SAR in household contacts of staff members (42%). SAR of household contacts of asymptomatic children was only 9%. Conclusion Our findings suggest increased transmissibility of the alpha variant in children compared to preceding non-VOC variants, consistent with a substantial rise in the incidence of cases observed in primary schools and children aged 5–12 since the alpha variant became dominant in March 2021. Lack of mandatory masking, insufficient ventilation and lack of physical distancing also probably contributed to the school outbreaks. The rise of the delta variant (B.1.617.2) since July 2021 which is estimated to be 55% more transmissible than the alpha variant, provides additional urgency to adequate infection prevention in school settings. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12879-022-07623-9.
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Affiliation(s)
- Koen M F Gorgels
- Department of Sexual Health, Infectious Diseases and Environmental Health, South Limburg Public Health Service, PO Box 33, 6400 AA, Heerlen, The Netherlands.
| | - Lieke B van Alphen
- Department of Medical Microbiology, Care and Public Health Research Institute (CAPHRI), Faculty of Health, Medicine and Life Sciences, Maastricht University Medical Centre (MUMC+), P.O. Box 5800, 6202 AZ, Maastricht, The Netherlands
| | - Brian M J W van der Veer
- Department of Medical Microbiology, Care and Public Health Research Institute (CAPHRI), Faculty of Health, Medicine and Life Sciences, Maastricht University Medical Centre (MUMC+), P.O. Box 5800, 6202 AZ, Maastricht, The Netherlands
| | - Volker H Hackert
- Department of Sexual Health, Infectious Diseases and Environmental Health, South Limburg Public Health Service, PO Box 33, 6400 AA, Heerlen, The Netherlands.,Department of Medical Microbiology, Care and Public Health Research Institute (CAPHRI), Faculty of Health, Medicine and Life Sciences, Maastricht University Medical Centre (MUMC+), P.O. Box 5800, 6202 AZ, Maastricht, The Netherlands.,Department of Social Medicine, Care and Public Health Research Institute (CAPHRI), Faculty of Health, Medicine and Life Sciences, Maastricht University, P.O. Box 616, 6200 MD, Maastricht, The Netherlands
| | - Audrey Y J Hensels
- Department of Sexual Health, Infectious Diseases and Environmental Health, South Limburg Public Health Service, PO Box 33, 6400 AA, Heerlen, The Netherlands
| | - Casper D J den Heijer
- Department of Sexual Health, Infectious Diseases and Environmental Health, South Limburg Public Health Service, PO Box 33, 6400 AA, Heerlen, The Netherlands.,Department of Social Medicine, Care and Public Health Research Institute (CAPHRI), Faculty of Health, Medicine and Life Sciences, Maastricht University, P.O. Box 616, 6200 MD, Maastricht, The Netherlands
| | - Jozef Dingemans
- Department of Medical Microbiology, Care and Public Health Research Institute (CAPHRI), Faculty of Health, Medicine and Life Sciences, Maastricht University Medical Centre (MUMC+), P.O. Box 5800, 6202 AZ, Maastricht, The Netherlands
| | - Paul H M Savelkoul
- Department of Medical Microbiology, Care and Public Health Research Institute (CAPHRI), Faculty of Health, Medicine and Life Sciences, Maastricht University Medical Centre (MUMC+), P.O. Box 5800, 6202 AZ, Maastricht, The Netherlands
| | - Christian J P A Hoebe
- Department of Sexual Health, Infectious Diseases and Environmental Health, South Limburg Public Health Service, PO Box 33, 6400 AA, Heerlen, The Netherlands.,Department of Medical Microbiology, Care and Public Health Research Institute (CAPHRI), Faculty of Health, Medicine and Life Sciences, Maastricht University Medical Centre (MUMC+), P.O. Box 5800, 6202 AZ, Maastricht, The Netherlands.,Department of Social Medicine, Care and Public Health Research Institute (CAPHRI), Faculty of Health, Medicine and Life Sciences, Maastricht University, P.O. Box 616, 6200 MD, Maastricht, The Netherlands
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Lorthe E, Bellon M, Michielin G, Berthelot J, Zaballa ME, Pennacchio F, Bekliz M, Laubscher F, Arefi F, Perez-Saez J, Azman AS, L’Huillier AG, Posfay-Barbe KM, Kaiser L, Guessous I, Maerkl SJ, Eckerle I, Stringhini S. Epidemiological, virological and serological investigation of a SARS-CoV-2 outbreak (Alpha variant) in a primary school: A prospective longitudinal study. PLoS One 2022; 17:e0272663. [PMID: 35976947 PMCID: PMC9385020 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0272663] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/14/2022] [Accepted: 07/24/2022] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Objectives To report a prospective epidemiological, virological and serological investigation of a SARS-CoV-2 outbreak in a primary school. Methods As part of a longitudinal, prospective, school-based surveillance study, this investigation involved repeated testing of 73 pupils, 9 teachers, 13 non-teaching staff and 26 household members of participants who tested positive, with rapid antigen tests and/or RT-PCR (Day 0–2 and Day 5–7), serologies on dried capillary blood samples (Day 0–2 and Day 30), contact tracing interviews and SARS-CoV-2 whole genome sequencing. Results We identified 20 children (aged 4 to 6 years from 4 school classes), 2 teachers and a total of 4 household members who were infected by the Alpha variant during this outbreak. Infection attack rates were between 11.8 and 62.0% among pupils from the 4 school classes, 22.2% among teachers and 0% among non-teaching staff. Secondary attack rate among household members was 15.4%. Symptoms were reported by 63% of infected children, 100% of teachers and 50% of household members. All analysed sequences but one showed 100% identity. Serological tests detected 8 seroconversions unidentified by SARS-CoV-2 virological tests. Conclusions This study confirmed child-to-child and child-to-adult SARS-CoV-2 transmission and introduction into households. Effective measures to limit transmission in schools have the potential to reduce the overall community circulation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elsa Lorthe
- Unit of Population Epidemiology, Division of Primary Care Medicine, Geneva University Hospitals, Geneva, Switzerland
- * E-mail:
| | - Mathilde Bellon
- Department of Microbiology and Molecular Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland
- Center for Emerging Viral Diseases, Geneva University Hospitals and University of Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Grégoire Michielin
- Institute of Bioengineering, School of Engineering, École Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Julie Berthelot
- Unit of Population Epidemiology, Division of Primary Care Medicine, Geneva University Hospitals, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - María-Eugenia Zaballa
- Unit of Population Epidemiology, Division of Primary Care Medicine, Geneva University Hospitals, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Francesco Pennacchio
- Unit of Population Epidemiology, Division of Primary Care Medicine, Geneva University Hospitals, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Meriem Bekliz
- Department of Microbiology and Molecular Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Florian Laubscher
- Laboratory of Virology, Department of Diagnostics, Geneva University Hospitals, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Fatemeh Arefi
- Institute of Bioengineering, School of Engineering, École Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Javier Perez-Saez
- Unit of Population Epidemiology, Division of Primary Care Medicine, Geneva University Hospitals, Geneva, Switzerland
- Department of Epidemiology, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, Maryland, United States of America
| | - Andrew S. Azman
- Unit of Population Epidemiology, Division of Primary Care Medicine, Geneva University Hospitals, Geneva, Switzerland
- Department of Epidemiology, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, Maryland, United States of America
- Institute of Global Health, Faculty of Medicine, University of Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Arnaud G. L’Huillier
- Laboratory of Virology, Department of Diagnostics, Geneva University Hospitals, Geneva, Switzerland
- Department of Pediatrics, Gynecology & Obstetrics, Pediatric Infectious Disease Unit, Geneva University Hospitals and Faculty of Medicine, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Klara M. Posfay-Barbe
- Department of Pediatrics, Gynecology & Obstetrics, Pediatric Infectious Disease Unit, Geneva University Hospitals and Faculty of Medicine, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Laurent Kaiser
- Center for Emerging Viral Diseases, Geneva University Hospitals and University of Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, Geneva University Hospitals, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Idris Guessous
- Division of Primary Care, Geneva University Hospitals, Geneva, Switzerland
- Department of Health and Community Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Sebastian J. Maerkl
- Institute of Bioengineering, School of Engineering, École Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Isabella Eckerle
- Department of Microbiology and Molecular Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland
- Center for Emerging Viral Diseases, Geneva University Hospitals and University of Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland
- Laboratory of Virology, Department of Diagnostics, Geneva University Hospitals, Geneva, Switzerland
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, Geneva University Hospitals, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Silvia Stringhini
- Unit of Population Epidemiology, Division of Primary Care Medicine, Geneva University Hospitals, Geneva, Switzerland
- Department of Health and Community Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland
- University Center for General Medicine and Public Health, University of Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland
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an der Heiden M, Buchholz U. Serial interval in households infected with SARS-CoV-2 variant B.1.1.529 (Omicron) is even shorter compared to Delta. Epidemiol Infect 2022; 150:e165. [PMID: 35929470 PMCID: PMC9530378 DOI: 10.1017/s0950268822001248] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/23/2022] [Revised: 06/01/2022] [Accepted: 06/29/2022] [Indexed: 11/05/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
| | - Udo Buchholz
- Department for Infectious Disease Epidemiology, Robert Koch-Institute, Berlin, Germany
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9
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Downes KJ, Statler VA, Orscheln RC, Cousino MK, Green M, Michaels MG, Muller WJ, Sharma TS, Danziger-Isakov LA, Ardura MI. Return to School and COVID-19 Vaccination for Pediatric Solid Organ Transplant Recipients in the United States: Expert Opinion for 2021-2022. J Pediatric Infect Dis Soc 2022; 11:43-54. [PMID: 34734268 PMCID: PMC8689907 DOI: 10.1093/jpids/piab098] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/24/2021] [Accepted: 09/24/2021] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
Abstract
The COVID-19 pandemic continues to generate challenges for pediatric solid organ transplant (SOT) recipients and their families. As rates of COVID-19 fluctuate, new SARS-CoV-2 variants emerge, and adherence to and implementation of mitigation strategies vary from community to community, questions remain about the best and safest practices to prevent COVID-19 in vulnerable patients. Notably, decisions about returning to school remain difficult. We assembled a team of specialists in pediatric infectious diseases, transplant infectious diseases, public health, transplant psychology, and infection prevention and control to re-address concerns about school re-entry, as well as COVID-19 vaccines, for pediatric SOT recipients in the United States in 2021. Based on available literature and guidance from national organizations, we generated expert statements specific to pediatric SOT recipients focused on school attendance in 2021.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kevin J Downes
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
- Department of Pediatrics, Perelman School of Medicine of the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Victoria A Statler
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Norton Children’s Hospital, Louisville, Kentucky, USA
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Louisville, Louisville, Kentucky, USA
| | - Rachel C Orscheln
- Division of Pediatric Infectious Diseases, St. Louis Children’s Hospital, St. Louis, Missouri, USA
- Department of Pediatrics, Washington University, St. Louis, Missouri, USA
| | - Melissa K Cousino
- Department of Pediatrics, Michigan Medicine, Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA
- University of Michigan Transplant Center, Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA
| | - Michael Green
- Division of Pediatric Infectious Diseases, UPMC Children’s Hospital of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA
- Departments of Pediatrics and Surgery, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Marian G Michaels
- Division of Pediatric Infectious Diseases, UPMC Children’s Hospital of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA
- Departments of Pediatrics and Surgery, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - William J Muller
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children’s Hospital of Chicago, Chicago, Illinois, USA
- Department of Pediatrics, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, Illinois, USA
| | - Tanvi S Sharma
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Boston Children’s Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
- Department of Pediatrics, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Lara A Danziger-Isakov
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, Ohio, USA
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, Ohio, USA
| | - Monica I Ardura
- Division of Infectious Diseases and Host Defense, Nationwide Children’s Hospital, Columbus, Ohio, USA
- Department of Pediatrics, The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio, USA
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