Resident racial and ethnic composition, neighborhood-level socioeconomic status, and COVID-19 infections in California SNFs.

BACKGROUND: In California, >29,000 residents in skilled nursing facility (SNFs) were diagnosed with novel coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) between March 2020 and November 2020. Prior research suggests that SNFs serving racially and ethnically minoritized residents often have fewer resources and lower quality of care. We performed a cross-sectional analysis of COVID-19 incidence among residents in California SNFs, assessing the association of SNF-level racial and ethnic compositions and facility- and neighborhood-level (census tract- and county-level) indicators of socioeconomic status (SES). METHODS: SNFs were grouped based on racial and ethnic composition using data from the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services; categories included SNFs with ≥88% White residents, SNFs with ≥32% Black or Latinx residents, SNFs with ≥32% Asian residents, or SNFs not serving a high proportion of any racial and ethnic composition (mixed). SNF resident-level COVID-19 infection data were obtained from the National Healthcare Safety Network from May 25, 2020 to August 16, 2020. Multilevel mixed-effects negative binomial regressions were used to estimate incidence rate ratios (IRR) for confirmed COVID-19 infections among residents. RESULTS: Among 971 SNFs included in our sample, 119 (12.3%) had ≥88% White residents; 215 (22.1%) had ≥32% Black or Latinx residents; 78 (8.0%) had ≥32% Asian residents; and 559 (57.6%) were racially and ethnically mixed. After adjusting for confounders, SNFs with ≥32% Black or Latinx residents (IRR = 2.40 [95% CI = 1.56, 3.68]) and SNFs with mixed racial and ethnic composition (IRR = 2.12 [95% CI = 1.49, 3.03]) both had higher COVID-19 incidence rates than SNFs with ≥88% White residents. COVID-19 incidence rates were also found to be higher in SNFs with low SES neighborhoods compared to those in high SES neighborhoods. CONCLUSION: Public health personnel should consider SNF- and neighborhood-level factors when identifying facilities to prioritize for COVID-19 outbreak prevention and control.

Association of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic with the incidence of healthcare-associated infections in California hospitals.

OBJECTIVE: To assess the impact of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic on the incidence of central-line-associated bloodstream infections (CLABSIs), Clostridioides difficile infections (CDIs), and methicillin-resistant Staphyloccocus aureus (MRSA) bloodstream infections (BSIs) in California acute-care hospitals. DESIGN: Retrospective cohort and before-and-after study. METHODS: We compared standardized infection ratios (SIRs) for CLABSI, CDI, and MRSA BSI from the second half of 2020 to the second half of 2019. We performed interrupted time-series (ITS) analyses for these infections to assess departures from long-term trends. We also examined the association between the proportion of facility beds that were occupied by COVID-19 patients in May and June of 2020 and the incidence of infections using negative binomial models. In addition, we compared standardized antimicrobial administration ratios (SAARs) for the second halves of 2019 and 2020. RESULTS: We detected substantial and significant increases in the SIRs for CLABSI and MRSA BSI from 2019 to 2020. For the ITS analysis, CLABSI and had significant positive values for the pandemic onset level-change parameters, and CLABSI and MRSA BSI had significant positive values for the postinterruption slope-change parameters. We also detected a positive association between facility COVID-19 patient occupancy and CLABSI and MRSA BSI incidence. We did not detect associations with the onset of the pandemic or COVID-19 patient occupancy and CDI. The SAAR for all antibacterial drugs decreased slightly, but the SAAR for drugs with a high risk for CDI increased slightly. CONCLUSIONS: This study adds to a body of literature documenting increases in CLABSI and MRSA BSI incidence during the pandemic.

Multifacility Outbreak of NDM/OXA-23–Producing Acinetobacter baumannii in California, 2020–2021

Background: NDM/OXA-23 carbapenemase-producing Acinetobacter baumannii isolates have been reported worldwide, but rarely in the United States. A California acute-care hospital (ACH) A identified 3 patients with pan-nonsusceptible A. baumannii during May–June 2020, prompting a public health investigation to prevent further transmission among the regional healthcare network. Methods: A clinical isolate was defined as NDM/OXA-23–producing A. baumannii from a patient at ACH A or B, or an epidemiologically linked patient identified through colonization screening during May 2020–January 2021. ACHs A and B are sentinel sites for carbapenem-resistant A. baumannii surveillance through the Antibiotic Resistance Laboratory Network (AR Lab Network), where isolates are tested for carbapenemase genes. The California Department of Public Health with 3 local health departments conducted an epidemiological investigation, contact tracing, colonization screening, and whole-genome sequencing (WGS). Results: In total, 11 cases were identified during May 2020–January 2021, including 3 cases at ACH A during May–June 2020, and 8 additional cases during November 2020–January 2021: 5 at ACH A, 1 at ACH B, and 2 at skilled nursing facility (SNF) A. Isolates from ACHs A and B were identified through testing at the AR Lab Network. Of the 11 patients (including the index patient), 4 had exposure at SNF A, where 2 cases were identified through colonization screening. Screening conducted at ACH A and 5 other long-term care facilities (LTCFs) identified no additional cases. WGS results for the first 8 cases identified showed 2–13 single-nucleotide polymorphism differences. Antibiotic resistance genes for all isolates sequenced included NDM-1 and OXA-23. On-site assessments related to a COVID-19 outbreak conducted at ACH A identified infection control gaps. Conclusions: Hospital participation in public health laboratory surveillance allows early detection of novel multidrug-resistant organisms (MDROs), which enabled outbreak identification and public health response. A high COVID-19 burden and related changes in infection control practices have been associated with MDRO transmission elsewhere in California. This factor might have contributed to spread at ACH A and hampered earlier screening efforts at SNF A, likely leading to undetected transmission. Extensive movement of positive patients among a regional healthcare network including at least 6 ACHs and 7 LTCFs likely contributed to the prolonged duration of this outbreak. This investigation highlights the importance of enhanced novel MDRO surveillance strategies coupled with strong infection prevention and control practices as important factors in identifying outbreaks and preventing further transmission in regional networks.Funding: NoDisclosures: None

Healthcare-associated infection reporting completeness and quality during the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic in California hospitals.

We examined markers of completeness in healthcare-associated infection (HAI) data reported by California hospitals to the National Healthcare Safety Network for each half of 2020 compared with 2019. There were indications of decreased data completeness for both halves of 2020. California 2020 HAI data should be interpreted with caution.

Severe acute respiratory coronavirus virus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) outbreak investigation in a hospital emergency department-California, December 2020-January 2021.

We describe a large outbreak of severe acute respiratory coronavirus virus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) involving an acute-care hospital emergency department during December 2020 and January 2021, in which 27 healthcare personnel worked while infectious, resulting in multiple opportunities for SARS-CoV-2 transmission to patients and other healthcare personnel. We provide recommendations for improving infection prevention and control.

Workplaces Most Affected by COVID-19 Outbreaks in California, January 2020–August 2021

Objectives. To describe which industries have the highest burden of COVID-19 outbreaks in California. Methods. We assigned US census industry codes to COVID-19 outbreaks reported to the California Department of Public Health (CDPH) from January 1, 2020, to August 31, 2021, and determined numbers of outbreaks, numbers of outbreak-associated cases, and outbreak incidence levels by industry. We determined characteristics of outbreak-associated cases using individual case data linked to COVID-19 outbreaks. Results. Local health departments reported 19 893 COVID-19 outbreaks and 300 379 outbreak-associated cases to CDPH. The most outbreaks (47.8%) and outbreak-associated cases (54.8%) occurred in the health care and social assistance sector, where outbreak incidence levels were highest in skilled nursing facilities and residential care facilities (1306 and 544 outbreaks per 1000 establishments, respectively). High proportions of outbreaks also occurred in the retail trade (8.6%) and manufacturing (7.9%) sectors. Demographics of outbreak-associated cases varied across industries. Conclusions. Certain California industries, particularly in the health care, manufacturing, and retail sectors, have experienced a high burden of COVID-19 outbreaks during the pandemic. Public Health Implications. Tracking COVID-19 outbreaks by industry may help target prevention efforts, including workforce vaccination. (Am J Public Health. 2022;112(8):1180–1190. https://doi.org/10.2105/AJPH.2022.306862)

Estimating COVID-19 Vaccine Effectiveness for Skilled Nursing Facility Healthcare Personnel, California, USA.

We estimated real-world vaccine effectiveness among skilled nursing facility healthcare personnel who were regularly tested for SARS-CoV-2 infection in California, USA, during January‒March 2021. Vaccine effectiveness for fully vaccinated healthcare personnel was 73.3% (95% CI 57.5%-83.3%). We observed high real-world vaccine effectiveness in this population.

Investigation of Bacterial Infections Among Patients Treated With Umbilical Cord Blood-Derived Products Marketed as Stem Cell Therapies.

Importance: The number of clinics marketing stem cell products for joint diseases, chronic pain, and most recently, COVID-19, has increased despite warnings from the US Food and Drug Administration that stem cell products for these and other indications have not been proven safe or effective. Objective: To examine bacterial infections in 20 patients who received umbilical cord blood-derived products marketed as stem cell treatment. Design, Setting, and Participants: This case series is a national public health investigation including case-finding, medical record review and abstraction, and laboratory investigation, including sterility testing of products and whole-genome sequencing of patient and product isolates. Participants included patients who developed bacterial infections following administration of umbilical cord blood-derived products marketed as stem cell treatment during August 2017 to September 2018. Data analysis was performed from March 2019 to September 2021. Exposures: Umbilical cord blood-derived products marketed as stem cell treatment. Main Outcomes and Measures: Data were collected on patient infections and exposures. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention performed sterility testing on undistributed and distributed vials of product marketed as stem cell treatment and performed whole-genome sequencing to compare patient and product bacterial isolates. Results: Culture-confirmed bacterial infections were identified in 20 patients (median [range] age, 63 [2-89] years; 13 male patients [65%]) from 8 US states who sought stem cell treatment for conditions including pain, osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, and injury; all but 1 required hospitalization. The most frequently isolated bacteria from patients with infections were common enteric species, including Escherichia coli (14 patients) and Enterobacter cloacae (7 patients). Of unopened, undistributed products sampled for testing, 65% (22 of 34 vials) were contaminated with at least 1 of 16 bacterial species, mostly enteric. A patient isolate from Arizona matched isolates obtained from products administered to patients in Florida, and patient isolates from Texas matched undistributed product sent from the company in California. Conclusions and Relevance: Unapproved stem cell products can expose patients to serious risks without proven benefit. Sequencing results suggest a common source of extensive contamination, likely occurring during the processing of cord blood into product. Patients and health care practitioners who are considering the use of unapproved products marketed as stem cell treatment should be aware of their unproven benefits and potential risks, including serious infections.

Timely intervention and control of a novel coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak at a large skilled nursing facility-San Francisco, California, 2020.

OBJECTIVE: To describe epidemiologic and genomic characteristics of a severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) outbreak in a large skilled-nursing facility (SNF), and the strategies that controlled transmission. DESIGN, SETTING, AND PARTICIPANTS: This cohort study was conducted during March 22-May 4, 2020, among all staff and residents at a 780-bed SNF in San Francisco, California. METHODS: Contact tracing and symptom screening guided targeted testing of staff and residents; respiratory specimens were also collected through serial point prevalence surveys (PPSs) in units with confirmed cases. Cases were confirmed by real-time reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction testing for SARS-CoV-2, and whole-genome sequencing (WGS) was used to characterize viral isolate lineages and relatedness. Infection prevention and control (IPC) interventions included restricting from work any staff who had close contact with a confirmed case; restricting movement between units; implementing surgical face masking facility-wide; and the use of recommended PPE (ie, isolation gown, gloves, N95 respirator and eye protection) for clinical interactions in units with confirmed cases. RESULTS: Of 725 staff and residents tested through targeted testing and serial PPSs, 21 (3%) were SARS-CoV-2 positive: 16 (76%) staff and 5 (24%) residents. Fifteen cases (71%) were linked to a single unit. Targeted testing identified 17 cases (81%), and PPSs identified 4 cases (19%). Most cases (71%) were identified before IPC interventions could be implemented. WGS was performed on SARS-CoV-2 isolates from 4 staff and 4 residents: 5 were of Santa Clara County lineage and the 3 others were distinct lineages. CONCLUSIONS: Early implementation of targeted testing, serial PPSs, and multimodal IPC interventions limited SARS-CoV-2 transmission within the SNF.

Transmission of COVID-19 to Health Care Personnel During Exposures to a Hospitalized Patient - Solano County, California, February 2020.

On February 26, 2020, the first U.S. case of community-acquired coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) was confirmed in a patient hospitalized in Solano County, California (1). The patient was initially evaluated at hospital A on February 15; at that time, COVID-19 was not suspected, as the patient denied travel or contact with symptomatic persons. During a 4-day hospitalization, the patient was managed with standard precautions and underwent multiple aerosol-generating procedures (AGPs), including nebulizer treatments, bilevel positive airway pressure (BiPAP) ventilation, endotracheal intubation, and bronchoscopy. Several days after the patient's transfer to hospital B, a real-time reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (real-time RT-PCR) test for SARS-CoV-2 returned positive. Among 121 hospital A health care personnel (HCP) who were exposed to the patient, 43 (35.5%) developed symptoms during the 14 days after exposure and were tested for SARS-CoV-2; three had positive test results and were among the first known cases of probable occupational transmission of SARS-CoV-2 to HCP in the United States. Little is known about specific risk factors for SARS-CoV-2 transmission in health care settings. To better characterize and compare exposures among HCP who did and did not develop COVID-19, standardized interviews were conducted with 37 hospital A HCP who were tested for SARS-CoV-2, including the three who had positive test results. Performing physical examinations and exposure to the patient during nebulizer treatments were more common among HCP with laboratory-confirmed COVID-19 than among those without COVID-19; HCP with COVID-19 also had exposures of longer duration to the patient. Because transmission-based precautions were not in use, no HCP wore personal protective equipment (PPE) recommended for COVID-19 patient care during contact with the index patient. Health care facilities should emphasize early recognition and isolation of patients with possible COVID-19 and use of recommended PPE to minimize unprotected, high-risk HCP exposures and protect the health care workforce.