Shifts of SARS-CoV-2 exposure settings in the transmission clusters of 2 epidemic waves in Hong Kong.
Int J Environ Health Res
; : 1-13, 2022 Apr 18.
Article
in English
| MEDLINE | ID: covidwho-1795528
ABSTRACT
Exposure setting is crucial in the formation and propagation of SARS-CoV-2 transmission clusters. In this cohort study, transmission networks of 2 waves were differentiated by exposure setting using territory-wide surveillance data with clinical and laboratory records in Hong Kong. Characteristically, the first wave had resulted from imported cases followed by local transmissions, while the second wave was constituted primarily by local infections. With a 4-fold higher caseload, the second wave featured predominance of epidemiologically linked, local, older and asymptomatic patients with higher viral loads and shorter inpatient days. The 1028 transmission clusters formed 155 cascades composing at least two clusters. Daily and social activities were exposure settings that bridged clusters while residences usually terminated transmission cascades. Regulatory restrictions on social activities extinguished cluster formation in bars, but shifted to private parties in the second wave. The results confirmed that strategic interventions targeting exposure settings could achieve effective epidemic control.
Full text:
Available
Collection:
International databases
Database:
MEDLINE
Type of study:
Cohort study
/
Observational study
/
Prognostic study
Language:
English
Journal:
Int J Environ Health Res
Journal subject:
Environmental Health
Year:
2022
Document Type:
Article
Affiliation country:
09603123.2022.2064438
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