Public Health response to an outbreak of SARS-CoV2 infection in a Barcelona prison

Abstract

An outbreak of SARS-CoV2 infection in a Barcelona prison was studied after seven cases appeared in nine days. One hundred and eighty-four people (148 inmates and 36 prison staff) were evaluated by rt-PCR. Thirty-nine (24.1%) were positive: 33 inmates and six staff members. The inmates were isolated in prison module 4, which was converted into an emergency COVID unit. Two people (one inmate and one health worker) were admitted to hospital for clinical deterioration. There were no deaths. Outbreaks pose a huge risk, must be detected early, are difficult to manage, and require optimal coordination between health and prison authorities.

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“…York City, USA jails in March and April 2020 [59], and 0.0% (0/46) in a penitentiary in Barcelona, Spain [27].…”

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“…Regarding factors associated with COVID-19 infection, a study in a correctional facility in Arkansas, USA, in April and May 2020 found that pre-existing chronic lung disease was associated with infection, but other pre-existing medical conditions (hypertension, diabetes, cardiovascular disease, chronic kidney disease, chronic liver disease) were not [49]. In a prison in Barcelona, Spain, age, history of diabetes, and HIV infection, respectively, were not associated with infection [27]. In an outbreak in a Texas prison in July and August 2021, vaccination status and diabetes were associated with infection [35].…”