Investigation and precautions of SARS-CoV-2 infection among healthcare workers in Emergency Center / 中华急诊医学杂志

ABSTRACT

Objective:To analyze the causes of SARS-CoV-2 nosocomial infection among healthcare workers (HCWs) and explore the effective precaution strategies in Emergency Center.Methods:The data of SARS-CoV-2 infected HCWs from January 5 to March 2, 2020 were retrospectively analyzed and compared under different conditions in Emergency Center of Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University.Results:Totally 13 SARS-CoV-2 infected HCWs (12 confirmed cases and 1 suspected case) were included in this study. The overall infection rate was 17.8% (13/73). The infection rates in outpatient/rescue room, isolation observation room and isolationin patient ward were 11.8% (4/34), 20.0% (3/15), 25% (6/24), respectively. The infection rate of physician was 13.0% (3/23), and the infection rate of nurse was 20.0% (10/50). All the infected HCWs had the definite exposure with confirmed or suspected COVID-19 patients. One asymptomatic cases were identified by laboratory findings of SARS-CoV-2 infection screening. There was no new confirmed SARS-CoV-2 infected HCWs after February 5, 2020. All the infected HCWs were cured.Conclusions:Under the epidemic of COVID-19, HCWs of Emergency Center have a high risk of occupational exposure and infection, especially for staffs working in COVID-19 isolation units. Scientific prevention and control management can effectively reduce the risk of SARS-CoV-2 infections and ensure the occupational safety for HCWs in Emergency Center.