Respiratory support for adult patients with COVID-19

The COVID-19 pandemic is creating unique strains on the healthcare system. While only a small percentage of patients require mechanical ventilation and ICU care, the enormous size of the populations affected means that these critical resources may become limited. A number of non-invasive options exist to avert mechanical ventilation and ICU admission. This is a clinical review of these options and their applicability in adult COVID-19 patients. Summary recommendations include: (1) Avoid nebulized therapies. Consider metered dose inhaler alternatives. (2) Provide supplemental oxygen following usual treatment principles for hypoxic respiratory failure. Maintain awareness of the aerosol-generating potential of all devices, including nasal cannulas, simple face masks, and venturi masks. Use non-rebreather masks when possible. Be attentive to aerosol generation and the use of personal protective equipment. (3) High flow nasal oxygen is preferred for patients with higher oxygen support requirements. Non-invasive positive pressure ventilation may be associated with higher risk of nosocomial transmission. If used, measures special precautions should be used reduce aerosol formation. (4) Early intubation/mechanical ventilation may be prudent for patients deemed likely to progress to critical illness, multi-organ failure, or acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS).Copyright © 2020 The Authors. JACEP Open published by Wiley Periodicals LLC on behalf of the American College of Emergency Physicians.

Combining epidemiological data and whole genome sequencing to understand SARS-CoV-2 transmission dynamics in a large tertiary care hospital during the first COVID-19 wave in The Netherlands focusing on healthcare workers.

BACKGROUND: Healthcare facilities have been challenged by the risk of SARS-CoV-2 transmission between healthcare workers (HCW) and patients. During the first wave of the COVID-19 pandemic, infections among HCW were observed, questioning infection prevention and control (IPC) measures implemented at that time. AIM: This study aimed to identify nosocomial transmission routes of SARS-CoV-2 between HCW and patients in a tertiary care hospital. METHODS: All SARS-CoV-2 PCR positive HCW and patients identified between 1 March and 19 May 2020, were included in the analysis. Epidemiological data were collected from patient files and HCW contact tracing interviews. Whole genome sequences of SARS-CoV-2 were generated using Nanopore sequencing (WGS). Epidemiological clusters were identified, whereafter WGS and epidemiological data were combined for re-evaluation of epidemiological clusters and identification of potential transmission clusters. HCW infections were further classified into categories based on the likelihood that the infection was acquired via nosocomial transmission. Secondary cases were defined as COVID-19 cases in our hospital, part of a transmission cluster, of which the index case was either a patient or HCW from our hospital. FINDINGS: The study population consisted of 293 HCW and 245 patients. Epidemiological data revealed 36 potential epidemiological clusters, with an estimated 222 (75.7%) HCW as secondary cases. WGS results were available for 195 HCW (88.2%) and 20 patients (12.8%) who belonged to an epidemiological cluster. Re-evaluation of the epidemiological clusters, with the available WGS data identified 31 transmission clusters with 65 (29.4%) HCW as secondary cases. Transmission clusters were all part of 18 (50.0%) previously determined epidemiological clusters, demonstrating that several larger outbreaks actually consisted, of several smaller transmission clusters. A total of 21 (7.2%) HCW infections were classified as from confirmed nosocomial, of which 18 were acquired from another HCW and 3 from a patient. CONCLUSION: The majority of SARS-CoV-2 infections among HCW could be attributed to community-acquired infection. Infections among HCW that could be classified as due to nosocomial transmission, were mainly caused by HCW-to-HCW transmission rather than patient-to-HCW transmission. It is important to recognize the uncertainties of cluster analyses based solely on epidemiological data.

Minimizing Aerosol Leakage from Facemasks in the COVID-19 Pandemic.

Background: Aerosol therapies with vented facemasks are considered a risk for nosocomial transmission of viruses such as severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2. The transmission risk can be decreased by minimizing aerosol leakage and filtering the exhaled air. Objective: In this study, we determined which closed facemask designs show the least leakage. Methods: Smoke leakage was quantified during in- and exhalation in a closed system with expiration filter for three infant, six child, and six adult facemasks (three times each mask), using age-appropriate anatomical face models and breathing patterns. To assess leakage, smoke release was recorded and cumulative average pixel intensity (cAPI) was calculated. Results: In the adult group, aircushion edges resulted in less leakage than soft edges (cAPI: 407 ± 250 vs. 774 ± 152) (p = 0.004). The Intersurgical® Economy 5 mask (cAPI: 146 ± 87) also released less smoke than the Intersurgical® Clearlite 5 (cAPI: 748 ± 68) mask with the same size, but different geometry and edge type (p-value <0.05). Moreover, mask size had an effect, as there was a difference between Intersurgical® Economy 4 (cAPI: 708 ± 346) and 5, which have the same geometry but a different size (p-value <0.05). Finally, repositioning masks increased the standard deviations. Mask leakage was not dependent on breathing patterns within the child group. Conclusions: Mask leakage can be minimized by using a closed system with a well-fitting mask that is appropriately positioned. To decrease leakage, and therewith minimize potential viral transmission, selecting a well-fitting mask with an aircushion edge is to be recommended.

Hospital outbreak of the severe acute respiratory coronavirus virus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) delta variant in partially and fully vaccinated patients and healthcare workers in Toronto, Canada.

The severe acute respiratory coronavirus virus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) delta variant is highly transmissible, and current vaccines may have reduced effectiveness in preventing symptomatic infection. Using epidemiological and genomic analyses, we investigated an outbreak of the variant in an acute-care setting among partially and fully vaccinated individuals. Effective outbreak control was achieved using standard measures.

COVID-19 in kidney transplant recipients: what have we learned one year later? A cohort study from a tertiary center

Introduction: Kidney transplant (KT) recipients have a high risk for adverse outcomes from infections, such as COVID- 19. Methods: We have retrospectively reviewed all KT recipients with documented COVID-19 between March 1, 2020, and March 15, 2021, and analyzed patients' characteristics, clinical course, treatment, and outcomes. Results: We identified 123 patients, 72% were male, with a mean age of 54.5±13.0 years. Twenty percent were asymptomatic, 7% had a nosocomial transmission, and 36% of the remainder required hospitalization. Almost all admitted patients received oxygen, 30% required invasive mechanical ventilation (IMV), more than a half had acute kidney injury, with 10% requiring dialysis, and 20% died. Incidence was comparable to that of the Portuguese population, but the mortality rate was almost four times higher (SMR of 3.768 (95% CI:1.723-7.154). Higher body mass index (OR 1.275, P=0.001), lower baseline graft function (OR 0.968, P=0.015), and nosocomial transmission (OR 13.836, P=0.019) were associated with oxygen demand, whereas female gender (OR 3.801, P=0.031) and lower baseline kidney graft function (OR 0.955, P=0.005), but not body mass index, were associated with IMV and/or death. Conclusion: Mortality rate in KT patients was higher than in the general population and lower baseline kidney function was the most consistent marker for adverse outcomes.

Occupational Health and Safety Measures in Healthcare Settings during COVID-19: Strategies for Protecting Staff, Patients and Visitors.

The COVID-19 (SARS-CoV-2) pandemic has profoundly impacted almost every aspect of healthcare systems worldwide, placing the health and safety of frontline healthcare workers at risk, and it still continues to remain an important public health challenge. Several hospitals have put in place strategies to manage space, staff, and supplies in order to continue to deliver optimum care to patients while at the same time protecting the health and safety of staff and patients. However, the emergence of the second and third waves of the virus with the influx of new cases continue to add an additional level of complexity to the already challenging situation of containing the spread and lowering the rate of transmission, thus pushing healthcare systems to the limit. In this narrative review paper, we describe various strategies including administrative controls, environmental controls, and use of personal protective equipment, implemented by occupational health and safety departments for the protection of healthcare workers, patients, and visitors from SARS-CoV-2 virus infection. The protection and safeguard of the health and safety of healthcare workers and patients through the implementation of effective infection control measures, adequate management of possible outbreaks and minimization of the risk of nosocomial transmission is an important and effective strategy of SARS-CoV-2 pandemic management in any healthcare facility. High quality patient care hinges on ensuring that the care providers are well protected and supported so they can provide the best quality of care to their patients.

Environmental Dissemination of SARS-CoV-2 in a University Hospital during the COVID-19 5th Wave Delta Variant Peak in Castile-León, Spain.

The dominant SARS-CoV-2 Delta variant (B.1.617.2) became the main circulating variant among countries by mid 2021. Attention was raised to the increased risk of airborne transmission, leading to nosocomial outbreaks even among vaccinated individuals. Considering the increased number of COVID-19 hospital admissions fueled by the spread of the variant, with Spain showing the highest COVID-19 rates in mainland Europe by July 2021, the aim of this study was to assess SARS-CoV-2 environmental contamination in different areas of a University Hospital in the region of Castile-León, Spain, during the peak of the 5th wave of COVID-19 in the country (July 2021). Air samples were collected from sixteen different areas of the Hospital using a Coriolis® µ air sampler. Surface samples were collected in these same areas using sterile flocked plastic swabs. RNA extraction followed by a one-step RT-qPCR were performed for detection of SARS-CoV-2 RNA. Of the 21 air samples, only one was positive for SARS-CoV-2 RNA, from the emergency waiting room. Of the 40 surface samples, 2 were positive for SARS-CoV-2 RNA, both from the microbiology laboratory. These results may be relevant for risk assessment of nosocomial infection within healthcare facilities, thus helping prevent and minimize healthcare staff's exposure to SARS-CoV-2, reinforcing the importance of always wearing appropriate and well-fit masks at all times and proper PPE when in contact with infected patients.

Sharp decline in rates of community respiratory viral detection among NIH Clinical Center patients during the COVID-19 pandemic.

OBJECTIVE: The objective of this study was to analyze the frequency and rates of community respiratory virus infections detected in NIH Clinical Center (NIHCC) patients from January 2015 through March 2021, comparing the trends before and during the COVID-19 pandemic. METHODS: We conducted a retrospective study comparing frequency and rates of community respiratory viruses detected in NIHCC patients from January 2015 through March 2021. Test results from nasopharyngeal swabs/washes, bronchoalveolar lavages, and bronchial washes were included in this study. Results from viral challenge studies and repeat positives were excluded. A quantitative data analysis was completed using cross tabulations; comparisons were done using mixed models, applying Dunnett's correction for multiplicity. RESULTS: Frequency of all respiratory pathogens declined from an annual range of 0.88-1.97% from January 2015 through March 2020 to 0.29% between April 2020 and March 2021. Individual viral pathogens declined sharply in frequency during the same timeframe, with zero cases of influenza A/B or parainfluenza and one case of RSV. Rhino/enterovirus detection continued, but with a substantially lower frequency of 4.27% between April 2020 and March 2021, compared with an annual range of 8.65-18.28% from January 215 through March 2020. DISCUSSION: The decrease in viral respiratory infections detected in NIHCC patients during the pandemic was likely due to the layered COVID-19 prevention and mitigation measures implemented in the community and the hospital. Hospitals should consider continued use of nonpharmaceutical interventions in the future to prevent nosocomial transmission of respiratory viruses during times of high community viral load.

Nosocomial transmission of SARS-CoV-2 from infected symptomatic children to uninfected caregivers: A retrospective cohort study in a Japanese tertiary children's hospital.

BACKGROUND: The transmission rate of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) is unclear when caregivers accompany pediatric COVID-19 patients in the same isolation room in a hospital setting. AIM: We investigated SARS-CoV-2 transmission from infected children to caregivers at our hospital. METHODS: This retrospective cohort study included 34 discordant pairs of patients admitted between September 2020 and April 2022. FINDINGS: The median ages of the children and caregivers were 3.7 years (interquartile range [IQR]: 1.6-8.1) and 33.1 years (IQR: 28.3-43.4), respectively. Of the 34 caregivers, 31 were mothers, two were fathers, and one was a relative. Sixteen caregivers received at least two doses of the mRNA vaccine. The mean duration of the hospital stays was 7.7 ± 4.1 days (range: 3-19). Two unvaccinated caregivers developed COVID-19 after admission; the onset was within 48 hours after admission. It is likely that they had been infected in their household prior to admission, since the incubation period for COVID-19 is usually >2 days. CONCLUSIONS: Nosocomial SARS-CoV-2 transmission from infected children to caregivers was not confirmed in this study. The combination of negative-pressure rooms, vaccinations, and infection-control bundles appears to be effective at preventing SARS-CoV-2 transmission. It is acceptable to allow caregivers to accompany pediatric COVID-19 patients in a hospital ward if they can comply with basic infection control measures.

Chapter 3 - Middle Eastern respiratory syndrome

Middle East respiratory virus syndrome (MERS) is a viral disease that primarily affects the respiratory system, but also has a major impact on the kidneys and nervous system and, to a lesser extent, on the intestines, liver, and heart. Over 2500 cases and 850 deaths have been confirmed as of 2019. The fatality rate is approximately 35%, more than that caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus (SARS-CoV) and SARS-CoV-2 (that causes COVID-19). The first known case of MERS in humans was reported in 2012 in Saudi Arabia but the virus was present in stored serum samples from dromedary (one-humped) camels from Africa and the Middle East for decades before that time. Since then, it spread to at least 27 countries around the world, most of which are related to travel to the Arabian Peninsula. The coronavirus that causes MERS, MERS-CoV, is related to several other human coronaviruses that typically cause cold-like illness as well as to SARS-CoV and SARS-CoV-2. MERS-CoV is from the subgenus Merbecovirus, while SARS-CoV and SARS-CoV-2 are in Sarbecovirus. MERS-CoV also uses dipeptidyl peptidase 4 as its host cell receptor, while SARS-CoV and SARS-CoV-2 use angiotensin-converting enzyme 2. While MERS-CoV is transmittable between people in close contact with an infected person, many infections are zoonotic and are due to inhaling infectious respiratory droplets from dromedaries or consuming their raw milk or urine. Many cases are nosocomial (acquired in healthcare facilities). Fortunately, MERS-CoV only can pass through several rounds of human-to-human transmission, unlike SARS-CoV-2. Much of the pathology is due to an excessive inflammatory type of immune response caused by cytokines and chemokines, abnormal blood coagulation, and virus-induced apoptosis (programmed cell death). Bats appear to be the reservoir hosts and should be monitored for possible zoonotic transmission outside of the Middle East, in line with the One Health approach.

SHEWANELLA SEPTIC SHOCK COMPLICATING COVID-19 SURVIVORSHIP FOLLOWING EXTRACORPOREAL MEMBRANE OXYGENATION (ECMO) RECOVERY

SESSION TITLE: Critical Care in Chest Infections Case Report Posters 2 SESSION TYPE: Case Report Posters PRESENTED ON: 10/17/2022 12:15 pm - 01:15 pm INTRODUCTION: Shewanella are gram-negative bacteria that inhabit salt and brackish watery environments, rarely causing skin and soft tissue infections. We report a case of septic shock, bacteremia, and empyema due to Shewanella in a COVID-ARDS survivor who previously received ECMO. CASE PRESENTATION: A 67-year-old man with a medical history of hypertension, diabetes, recent COVID-ARDS illness complicated with STEMI, leading to a VT/VF arrest requiring 21-days of VV-ECMO support presented three weeks after discharge due to worsening oxygen needs. The patient was hypotensive, febrile, tachycardic, tachypneic, with SatO2 92% on HFNC> 50%FIO2. Labs showed leukocytosis, lactic acidosis, and acute kidney injury. Chest x-ray showed a loculated left pleural effusion. Broad spectrum antibiotics were started. Blood cultures grew Shewanella species in aerobic and anaerobic bottles. A CT of the chest is shown (Figure 1). Thoracentesis was performed with findings consistent with empyema (Table 1). The empyema was managed with pigtail catheters and TPAse-DNAse. Pleural fluid cultures had no growth. The patient improved and was discharged on 6-week course of IV ceftazidime. DISCUSSION: Shewanella is a rare cause of skin and soft tissue infections, following traumatic injuries in association with exposure to salt or brackish water. It has also been associated with pneumonia, in the setting of near drownings, in both fresh and saltwater. Individuals with underlying liver disease and immunocompromising conditions are at the highest risk of contracting the pathogen and manifesting illness. Shewanella algae and putrefaciens may manifest as deep ulcers with hemorrhagic bullae, bacteremia, endocarditis, and meningitis (1). In addition, biliary tract infections and peritonitis can occur (2). Our patient had no epidemiologic risk factors for Shewanella infection. Although nosocomial transmission is possible, we are not aware of any previous reports of such exposure in association with this infection. Given negative pleural fluid culture with positive blood culture, we hypothesize our patient's empyema is due to Shewanella given no other apparent infectious etiology. Studies have shown that approximately 40% of pleural infection are culture negative. It is possible that antibiotic therapy started before fluid collection lowered the diagnostic yield of thoracentesis. The prevalence of bloodstream infections during ECMO ranges from 3 to 18%, with coagulase-negative staphylococcus as the most frequent cause, followed by Candida spp., Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Enterobacteriaceae, Staphylococcus aureus and Enterococcus spp. (3) with no known reports of Shewanella per the ELSO registry. CONCLUSIONS: This case may confer possible healthcare-related acquirement of Shewanella. Our case adds awareness to clinicians about potential routes of inoculation, predisposing factors, and the wide clinical manifestations of Shewanellosis. Reference #1: Weiss TJ, Barranco-Trabi JJ, Brown A, Oommen TT, Mank V, Ryan C. Case Report: Shewanella Algae Pneumonia and Bacteremia in an Elderly Male Living at a Long-Term Care Facility. Am J Trop Med Hyg. 2021;106(1):60-61. Published 2021 Nov 15. doi:10.4269/ajtmh.21-0614 Reference #2: Savini V, Marrollo R, Nigro R, Fazii P. Chapter 6-Skin and Soft Tissue Infections Following Marine Injuries. In: The Microbiology of Skin, Soft Tissue, Bone and Joint Infections. Vol 2.;2017:93-103. Reference #3: S. Biffi et al. / International Journal of Antimicrobial Agents 50 (2017) 9–16 DISCLOSURES: No relevant relationships by Akram Alkrekshi No relevant relationships by Robert Kalayjian No relevant relationships by Ismini Kourouni No relevant relationships by Srinivasa Potla No relevant relationships by Zahra Zia

Characteristics of hypervirulent multi-drug resistant Klebsiella pneumoniae strains in inpatients with severe COVID-19

Severe course of COVID-19 in inpatients can be caused by a number of reasons, including viral and bacterial superinfections. Empirical use of antibiotics, as well as poor infectious control stimulate the emergence and spread of multidrug-resistant bacteria. Klebsiella pneumoniae is the most common carbapenemase-producing bacterial pathogen causing nosocomial infections. These strains became significantly widespread during the COVID-19 pandemic. Objective. To analyze phenotypic and genetic characteristics of K. pneumoniae strains as the dominant bacterial pathogen in severe COVID-19 patients in the intensive care unit. Patients and methods. This study included 38 COVID-19 patients (including 6 patients with severe disease) treated in the intensive care units of Moscow and Saint Petersburg hospitals for infectious diseases between July 2020 and December 2020. All patients signed an informed consent to participate in the study;patient data was anonymized. The following samples were collected: sputum, bronchoalveolar lavage, and nasopharyngeal swabs. We performed bacteriological identification of isolated bacterial strains, drug susceptibility testing, and whole genome sequencing of K. pneumoniae strains. Results. The majority of K. pneumoniae strains isolated from patients with severe COVID-19 contained clusters of aerobactin and enterobacterin genes. However, some of them (strains 90 and 124) also contained clusters of yersiniabactin genes. These genes are associated with high virulence and ability to form biofilms. The isolated strains belonged to four sequence types (ST874, ST395, ST147, ST15) that are characterized by high virulence and antibiotic resistance. These K. pneumoniae strains can be considered as one of the major causes of severe and lethal COVID-19. Conclusion. Our findings suggest that the detection rate of K. pneumoniae in COVID-19 patients increased from 30% to 70% during the pandemic. Phenotypic tests demonstrated that more than 80% of the strains were resistant to most antibiotics used in patients with complicated COVID-19. The combination of hypervirulence and antibiotic resistance is crucial for nosocomial transmission of these strains and their effect on the disease outcome. The emergence of hyper-resistant pathogens necessitates regular epidemiological monitoring and robust infection control in Russian hospitals, especially in intensive care units.

The contribution of hospital-acquired infections to the COVID-19 epidemic in England in the first half of 2020.

BACKGROUND: SARS-CoV-2 is known to transmit in hospital settings, but the contribution of infections acquired in hospitals to the epidemic at a national scale is unknown. METHODS: We used comprehensive national English datasets to determine the number of COVID-19 patients with identified hospital-acquired infections (with symptom onset > 7 days after admission and before discharge) in acute English hospitals up to August 2020. As patients may leave the hospital prior to detection of infection or have rapid symptom onset, we combined measures of the length of stay and the incubation period distribution to estimate how many hospital-acquired infections may have been missed. We used simulations to estimate the total number (identified and unidentified) of symptomatic hospital-acquired infections, as well as infections due to onward community transmission from missed hospital-acquired infections, to 31st July 2020. RESULTS: In our dataset of hospitalised COVID-19 patients in acute English hospitals with a recorded symptom onset date (n = 65,028), 7% were classified as hospital-acquired. We estimated that only 30% (range across weeks and 200 simulations: 20-41%) of symptomatic hospital-acquired infections would be identified, with up to 15% (mean, 95% range over 200 simulations: 14.1-15.8%) of cases currently classified as community-acquired COVID-19 potentially linked to hospital transmission. We estimated that 26,600 (25,900 to 27,700) individuals acquired a symptomatic SARS-CoV-2 infection in an acute Trust in England before 31st July 2020, resulting in 15,900 (15,200-16,400) or 20.1% (19.2-20.7%) of all identified hospitalised COVID-19 cases. CONCLUSIONS: Transmission of SARS-CoV-2 to hospitalised patients likely caused approximately a fifth of identified cases of hospitalised COVID-19 in the "first wave" in England, but less than 1% of all infections in England. Using time to symptom onset from admission for inpatients as a detection method likely misses a substantial proportion (> 60%) of hospital-acquired infections.

A CASE SERIES OF PEDIATRIC PATIENTS WITH BRAIN TUMORS AND PERIOPERATIVE COVID-19 INFECTION

INTRODUCTION: Surgery in patients diagnosed with COVID-19 is associated with increased risk of morbidity and mortality, especially within 6 weeks of SARSCoV- 2 infection. Furthermore, most studies have focused on adults, and little is known about perioperative outcomes in children with COVID-19. METHODS: We reviewed the operative census of the Division of Neurosurgery of Philippine General Hospital from March 2020 until December 2021. We identified all pediatric patients with brain tumors and confirmed COVID-19 infection within two weeks of their neuro-oncologic surgery. Their clinical course and outcomes are described herein. RESULTS: Four patients were included in this case series: three had tumors in the cerebellum, one in the pineal region. All of them were boys, with ages ranging from 4 months to 13 years. All tumors were malignant, and two were confirmed to be medulloblastoma after tumor resection. COVID-19 infection was diagnosed by the presence of SARS-CoV-2 RNA through a nasopharyngeal swab. Three patients acquired the virus post-operatively, likely from nosocomial transmission. In the remaining patient, it was community-acquired. All the patients had chest radiographs consistent with pneumonia but none had marked elevation of serum inflammatory markers. No patient received remdesivir or tocilizumab. At the time of their presentation, either the COVID-19 vaccine was not yet available in the country, or the patient was not yet eligible for vaccination. One patient died because of brain herniation from tumor progression, two were discharged and eventually underwent adjuvant therapy, and one remained in-hospital as of this writing. DISCUSSION: COVID-19 infection resulted in delays in the management of patients with pediatric CNS tumors. Given the high risk of these patients for potential complications, consensus guidelines must be established to achieve good outcomes and prolong survival.

Optimized infection control practices augment the robust protective effect of vaccination for ESRD patients during a hemodialysis facility SARS-CoV-2 outbreak.

BACKGROUND: While dialysis patients are at greater risk of serious SARS-CoV-2 complications, stringent infection prevention measures can help mitigate infection and transmission risks within dialysis facilities. We describe an outbreak of 14 cases diagnosed in a hospital-based outpatient ESRD facility over 13 days in the second quarter of 2021, and our coordinated use of epidemiology, viral genome sequencing, and infection control practices to quickly end the transmission cycle. METHODS: Symptomatic patients and staff members were diagnosed by RT-PCR. Facility-wide screening utilized SARS-CoV-2 antigen tests. SARS-CoV-2 genome sequences were obtained from residual diagnostic specimens. RESULTS: Of the 106 patients receiving dialysis in the facility, 10 were diagnosed with SARS-CoV-2 infection, as was 1 patient support person. Of 3 positive staff members, 2 were unvaccinated and had provided care for 6 and 4 of the affected patients, respectively. Sequencing demonstrated that all cases in the cluster shared an identical B.1.1.7./Alpha substrain. Attack rates were greatest among unvaccinated patients and staff. Vaccine effectiveness was 88% among patients. CONCLUSIONS: Prompt recognition of an infection cluster and rapid intervention efforts successfully ended the outbreak. Alongside consistent adherence to core infection prevention measures, vaccination was highly effective in reducing disease incidence and morbidity in this vulnerable population.

Considerations for the Surgical Management of Thoracic Cancers During the COVID-19 Pandemic: Rational Strategies for Thoracic Surgeons.

Objective: The novel Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) has resulted in a global health crisis since first case was identified in December 2019. As the pandemic continues to strain global public health systems, elective surgeries for thoracic cancer, such as early-stage lung cancer and esophageal cancer (EC), have been postponed due to a shortage of medical resources and the risk of nosocomial transmission. This review is aimed to discuss the influence of COVID-19 on thoracic surgical practice, prevention of nosocomial transmission during the pandemic, and propose modifications to the standard practices in the surgical management of different thoracic cancer. Methods: A literature search of PubMed, Medline, and Google Scholar was performed for articles focusing on COVID-19, early-stage lung cancer, and EC prior to 1 July 2021. The evidence from articles was combined with our data and experience. Results: We review the challenges in the management of different thoracic cancer from the perspectives of thoracic surgeons and propose rational strategies for the diagnosis and treatment of early-stage lung cancer and EC during the COVID-19 pandemic. Conclusions: During the COVID-19 pandemic, the optimization of hospital systems and medical resources is to fight against COVID-19. Indolent early lung cancers, such as pure ground-glass nodules/opacities (GGOs), can be postponed with a lower risk of progression, while selective surgeries of more biologically aggressive tumors should be prioritized. As for EC, we recommend immediate or prioritized surgeries for patients with stage Ib or more advanced stage and patients after neoadjuvant therapy. Routine COVID-19 screening should be performed preoperatively before thoracic surgeries. Prevention of nosocomial transmission by providing appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE), such as N-95 respirator masks with eye protection to healthcare workers, is necessary.

Current Practices Surrounding Endonasal Skull Base and Pituitary Surgery during COVID-19 Pandemic: A Global Survey

INTRODUCTION: During the Sars-CoV-2 pandemic, Endoscopic Endonasal Surgery (EES) is feared to be a high-risk procedure for transmission of the COVID-19 virus. Nonetheless, data are lacking regarding the management of EES during this pandemic. METHODS: A web-based survey of skull base surgeons worldwide was conducted.Different practices by geographical regions and COVID-19 prevalence were analyzed. RESULTS: 135 unique responses were collected. Regarding the use of personal protection equipment (PPE), North America reported using more powered air-purifying respirators (PAPR) and Asia/Europe using more standard precautions. North America and Europe resorted more to reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) for screening asymptomatic patients. High prevalence countries showed a higher use of PAPR. The medium prevalence group reported lower RT-PCR testing for symptomatic cases and the high prevalence group used it significantly more in asymptomatic cases. 19 respondents reported healthcare personnel transmission of COVID-19 from EES, with a higher rate of transmission among countries classified as having a medium prevalence of COVID-19. These specific respondents (medium prevalence) also reported a lower use of airborne PPE. In the cases of healthcare transmission, the patient was reportedly asymptomatic 32% of the time. CONCLUSION: This survey gives an overview of EES practices during the Sars-CoV-2 pandemic. Intensified preoperative screening, even in asymptomatic patients, RT-PCR for all symptomatic cases, and an increased use of airborne PPE is associated with decreased reports of COVID-19 transmission during EES.

Sharp Decline in Rates of Community Respiratory Viral Infections among NIH Clinical Center Patients during the COVID-19 Pandemic

Background. During the first year of the COVID-19 pandemic, nonpharmaceutical interventions had a broad impact on viral transmission apart from SARS-CoV-2. The NIH Clinical Center has used the BioFire FilmArray multiplex PCR respiratory pathogen panel (RPP) for evaluation of upper respiratory symptoms since 2014. Beginning in 3/20, respiratory samples from symptomatic patients were tested by SARS-CoV-2 PCR and the RPP. We performed a retrospective study comparing frequency and rates of community respiratory viruses detected by RPP from 1/14 through 3/21. Methods. Results of RPPs from nasopharyngeal swabs/washes, bronchoalveolar lavages, and bronchial washes were included. Results from viral challenge studies were excluded. Charts were reviewed to determine whether repeat positives for the same virus within 12 months represented new infections;repeats from the same infection were excluded. A quantitative data analysis was completed using cross tabulations;comparisons were done using mixed models, applying Dunnett's correction for multiplicity. Results. A total of 3,329 patients underwent 8,122 RPPs from 1/14 through 3/21. Frequency of all respiratory pathogens declined from an annual range of 0.88-1.97% from 1/14-3/20 to 0.29% in 4/20-3/21 (p < 0.001). Individual viral pathogens declined sharply in frequency during the pandemic, with zero cases of influenza A/B, parainfluenza, or metapneumovirus detected from 4/20-3/21. One case each of adenovirus, RSV, CoV OC43, and CoV HKU1 were detected in 4/20-3/21. Rhino/enterovirus detection continued, but with a substantially lower frequency of 4.27% in 4/20-3/21, compared with an annual range of 8.65-18.28% from 1/14-3/20 (p < 0.001). Frequency of detection of all respiratory pathogens tested using the Biofire FilmArray multiplex PCR respiratory pathogen panel from January 2014 through March 2021. The frequency of pathogen detection from April 2020 through March 2021 declined substantially in comparison with previous years. Frequency of detection of influenza A, influenza B, rhinovirus/enterovirus, parainfluenza (1, 2, 3, 4), and respiratory syncytial virus from January 2014 through March 2021. The frequency of detection of these pathogens declined sharply starting in April 2020. Conclusion. During the pandemic, the burden of viral respiratory infections detected among patients at the NIH Clinical Center improved considerably. This reprieve was likely thanks to the layered COVID-19 prevention and mitigation measures implemented in the community and the hospital: masking, distancing, symptom screening, isolation and testing symptomatic persons. As COVID-19 vaccination allows relaxation of masking, community transmission of respiratory viruses will likely resume;continued mask-wearing in the hospital may provide an enduring benefit by preventing nosocomial transmission.

Visualizing the Impact of a Wedding Leading to COVID-19 Outbreaks in Healthcare Settings, Washington State, July - August 2020

Background. Large social gatherings during the COVID-19 pandemic have been linked to extensive community transmission. Healthcare workers (HCW) that engage in these social gatherings pose a risk to the vulnerable patients they serve. Public Health-Seattle & King County identified a COVID-19 outbreak associated with a wedding in July 2020 when the 14-day incidence rate was 105 cases per 100,000 residents. HCW who attended the wedding were subsequently linked to 45 outbreaks in healthcare settings across three counties in the next month. Methods. COVID-19 case interview data was used to identify HCW cases who reported the wedding as their exposure event. The Washington Disease Reporting System (WDRS), the state database in which COVID-19 cases and epi-linkages are tracked, was queried to identify healthcare outbreaks linked to the HCW wedding-attendee cases and the HCW that they infected. NodeXL was used to visualize the resulting chains of wedding-associated healthcare transmission using a Harel-Koren Fast Multiscale layout where the network visualization's directed arrows represent putative links and direction of transmission. Numbers of associated settings, cases, and deaths were calculated. Results. Seven HCW wedding attendees were linked to outbreaks in healthcare facilities that they worked at while infectious;HCWs linked to as many as six subsequent healthcare outbreaks. In total, the wedding was connected to 45 healthcare facilities: adult family homes (N=1), hospitals (N=1), supported living agencies (N=7) and associated group homes (N=38), assisted living (N=1), home health services (N=1), behavioral health (N=2), and rehab centers (N=1). Across the settings, 277 cases were identified, including 15 deaths. Conclusion. A series of COVID-19 healthcare outbreaks was traced back to a wedding. Cases worked in multiple homes, agencies, and other healthcare settings which likely facilitated rapid and wide transmission;the structure of these healthcare settings often do not facilitate a single job providing enough hours and income to support an individual. In terms of public health learnings, addressing these outbreaks require effective contact tracing, multijurisdictional coordination, and for supported living, interventions need to be applied across households sharing staff.

SARS-CoV-2 Infections among Military Personnel Deployed on the USNS COMFORT to New York City during the COVID-19 Pandemic and One-Year Follow-Up

Background. The USNS COMFORT deployed to New York City to augment the inpatient health care capacity in March 2020. The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection among US Navy personnel upon return from deployment, and to identify incident cases of SARS-CoV-2 infection during 1 year of follow-up. Methods. Crewmembers, the majority of whom were health care workers (HCW), were enrolled following deployment, in May 2020. PCR results from symptomatic crewmembers during deployment, and Day 0 and Day 14 post-deployment screening swabs conducted on all crewmembers, per military order, were ed. A questionnaire and serum were collected on Day 14 post-deployment. SARS-CoV-2 infection was defined as a positive SARS-CoV-2 spike glycoprotein immunoglobulin G antibody (IgG) or PCR. COVID-19 related medical encounters, PCR and antibody testing results within 1 year following deployment were ed from the Military Health System Data Repository (MDR). There was adequate provision of personal protective equipment (PPE) in the hospital and the COVID-19 vaccine roll-out for HCW began in December 2020. Results. Of the 1200 crewmembers, 449 were enrolled and completed the questionnaire and screening swabs, and 432 (96.2%) completed the Day 14 blood draw (Table 1). The cumulative prevalence of SARS-CoV-2 infection was 3.01% (13/432;95% CI, 1.61%-5.09%). One of 17 subjects did not complete the blood draw and was PCR positive on Day 14. 433/449 (96.4%) had a PCR performed during the follow-up period (i.e. after the Day 14 post-deployment visit until Feb 2021), for HCW screening or symptomatic illness (median number of tests: 2 [IQR: 1, 2;range: 1,6]). 25 of 433 (5.8%) were PCR positive (Fig 1). 19 (76.0%) occurred in corpsmen, 23 (92.0%) were symptomatic and none were hospitalized. One asymptomatic re-infection occurred in a crewmember who was PCR negative and IgG positive at Day 14 post-deployment. Conclusion. The post-deployment prevalence of SARS-CoV-2 infection was low. A high proportion of HCW underwent PCR testing during 1-year follow-up but a low incidence of infection was observed. This was likely from community transmission as nosocomial transmission was mitigated by adequate PPE and vaccine roll-out.