An Outbreak of Covid 19 Infection at the Massey Street Children's Hospital, Lagosisland, Nigeria

ABSTRACT

Aims 1) To review the admissions into the emergency unit of children with pneumonia and other uncommon presentation of Covid from October2020 to January 2021 2) To highlight leadership role in managing a hospital Outbreak Conclusion There was a high number of admission of pneumonia cases into the emergency unit in December 2020 and some children with uncommon symptoms of Covid. The testing rate in children was almost zero. The belief was, these contributed significantly to the source of outbreak in the hospital as Lagos state is also the epicenter of the disease. With more than 60% of the workforce testing positive to the virus, the morale of staffs was low, mortality worsened during this period as there were fewer staff available to work. Leadership instituted alternate day shifts for staffs, and resolved to strengthen the adherence to Covid protocols by providing more PPEs, continued to train and retrain staff in management of Covid infection and IPC. No crowding allowed in call rooms, lounge and library, restriction of visitors to the hospital and regular cleaning of surfaces. Virtual meetings replaced physical meetings. Staffs who tested positive but not needing admission received a home based treatment pack for free and self-isolated at home for 14days. 3 staffs were admitted in the central isolation unit in the state. Thankfully, no death was recorded among the staff and by March the infection had reduced drastically. The staffs' mental health issues were addressed, there were zoom sessions with mental health experts. Today, we have a workforce that is fully vaccinated against Covid 19 (received booster dose).