Asymptomatic COVID-19 in hospital visitors: The underestimated potential of viral shedding

Passarelli, Victor Cabelho; Faíco-Filho, Klinger Soares; Moreira, Luiz Vinícius Leão; Cunha, Ana Paula; Carvalho, Joseane Mayara Almeida; Barbosa, Gabriela; Camargo, Clarice Neves; Conte, D.; Perosa, Ana Helena; Bellei, Nancy

doi:10.1016/j.ijid.2020.10.057

Cited by 19 publications

(17 citation statements)

References 8 publications

Supporting

Mentioning

Contrasting

Unclassified

Order By: Relevance

“…Because asymptomatic health care workers might contribute to disease spread in and out of hospitals, surveillance of asymptomatic individuals is important for infection control and transmission reduction in health care settings and community. 116 , 117 Meanwhile, hand hygiene and personal protective equipment were necessary for hospital visitors. 117 A previous study showed that most asymptomatic patients belong to younger groups, 3 which was consistent with the findings of our study.…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Global Percentage of Asymptomatic SARS-CoV-2 Infections Among the Tested Population and Individuals With Confirmed COVID-19 Diagnosis

et al. 2021

View full text Add to dashboard Cite

Key Points Question What is the percentage of asymptomatic individuals with positive test results for SARS-CoV-2 among tested individuals and those with confirmed COVID-19 diagnosis? Findings In this systematic review and meta-analysis of 95 unique studies with 29 776 306 individuals undergoing testing, the pooled percentage of asymptomatic infections was 0.25% among the tested population and 40.50% among the population with confirmed COVID-19. Meaning The high percentage of asymptomatic infections from this study highlights the potential transmission risk of asymptomatic infections in communities.

show abstract

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Global Percentage of Asymptomatic SARS-CoV-2 Infections Among the Tested Population and Individuals With Confirmed COVID-19 Diagnosis

et al. 2021

View full text Add to dashboard Cite

show abstract

“…Visitors were also limited in the inpatient units, clinics, and emergency departments at this time, further limiting the possibility of transmission of COVID-19. One study showed that almost 4% of asymptomatic visitors to the hospital were positive for COVID-19, highlighting the importance of visitor restriction [ 34 ]. In addition, screening protocols, universal masking, strict PPE protocols, and frequent cleaning procedures were implemented throughout the different areas of the hospital and clinic per CDC guidelines [ 35 ].…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Analysis of SARS-CoV-2 RNA on surfaces in New York City

et al. 2021

View full text Add to dashboard Cite

Background This study sought to determine the presence of SARS-CoV-2 virus on surfaces that trainees and faculty of an academic eye clinic came into contact with during daily life at the time of the COVID-19 pandemic in New York City. Methods This cross-sectional analysis involved collection of at least two samples by teams on four different days (November 9, 2020 – December 18, 2020) using sterile swabs (Puritan HydraFlock, Garden Grove, CA). Collection sites were grouped into four zones depending on proximity and amount of time personnel spent there. Samples were transported to the laboratory in transport medium and RNA was extracted using the QIAamp DSP Viral RNA Mini Kit (Qiagen, Germantown, MD). Presence of viral RNA was investigated using the Luna Universal Probe One-step RT–qPCR kit (New England Biolabs, Ipwsich, MA). Results 834 samples were submitted. Two were positive for SARS-CoV-2 RNA. The first was a sample from a patient bathroom sink handle in the main emergency department. The second was a nasal swab sample from a staff member who had been assigned to collect samples. Prior to this positive result, this asymptomatic staff member had tested positive for COVID-19, had quarantined for two weeks, and had received a negative test. Conclusion Though COVID-19 is currently widespread in the United States, this study shows that health care personnel working in New York City at the Columbia University Irving Medical Center have a low chance of encountering viral RNA on surfaces they are in close contact with during daily life.

show abstract

“…Studies evaluating asymptomatic prevalence of COVID-19 among family/essential caregivers who had screened negative for symptoms ranged from 4 to 10% in studies from Brazil and New York. 10,11 However, this data was obtained during periods of high community prevalence of SARS-CoV-2 and prior to the adoption of public masking in New York. Furthermore, given the lack of access to testing for the general public early in the pandemic, it is possible that many individuals that tested positive had old infections, and were no longer communicable, despite positive RT-PCR testing.…”

Section: Covid-19mentioning

confidence: 99%

Impact of Hospital Visitor Restrictions during the COVID-19 Pandemic

Munshi¹,

Odutayo²,

Evans³

et al. 2021

View full text Add to dashboard Cite

The Ontario COVID-19 Science Advisory Table is a group of scientific experts and health system leaders who evaluate and report on emerging evidence relevant to the COVID-19 pandemic, to inform Ontario's response. Our mandate is to provide weekly summaries of relevant scientific evidence for the COVID-19 Health Coordination Table of the Province of Ontario, integrating information from existing scientific tables, Ontario's universities and agencies, and the best global evidence. The Science Table summarizes its findings for the Health Coordination Table and the public in Science Briefs.

show abstract

Asymptomatic COVID-19 in hospital visitors: The underestimated potential of viral shedding

Abstract: Highlights In one day, 4% (6 in 150) of hospital visitors had asymptomatic COVID-19. Potential of visitors’ viral shedding in healthcare facilities is underestimated. SARS-CoV-2 introduction into facilities is not fully blocked by universal masking.

Cited by 19 publications

References 8 publications

Global Percentage of Asymptomatic SARS-CoV-2 Infections Among the Tested Population and Individuals With Confirmed COVID-19 Diagnosis

Global Percentage of Asymptomatic SARS-CoV-2 Infections Among the Tested Population and Individuals With Confirmed COVID-19 Diagnosis

Analysis of SARS-CoV-2 RNA on surfaces in New York City

Impact of Hospital Visitor Restrictions during the COVID-19 Pandemic

Contact Info

Product

Resources

About