Covid-19 outbreak among professionals at a university hospital in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, 2020

Abstract

Objective: This study aimed to investigate a COVID-19 outbreak among HCWs in the nephrology department of a university hospital in Rio de Janeiro in March 2020 and to identify risk factors for SARS-CoV-2 infection. Methods: To characterize the outbreak in relation to the person-place-time triad, a team of 59 HCWs was defined as the source population. They were recruited and submitted to digital interviews to recognize the occurrence of signs and symptoms, comorbidities, and hospitalization during the period from March 1 to 23, 2020. Data analysis consisted of constructing and interpreting the epidemic curve and identifying risk factors for infection during the outbreak. Results: Of the 59 professionals in the nephrology department, 43 (73%) participated in the study. They were predominantly physicians (58%), female (67%), with an age ranging from 24 to 69 years, and an average of 40 years. The outbreak occurred between March 1 and March 23, 2020, and peaked on March 12 and 13. Thirty-two participants were classified as having probable or confirmed cases of COVID-19. The majority of cases were women (71%), aged 37 years, and predominantly physicians (45%). Only one participant was hospitalized. Risk factors for COVID-19 were being a physician, working in another hospital, and being a woman. Conclusion: We conclude that there was an outbreak of COVID-19 among healthcare professionals in the nephrology department of HUPE in March 2020. Protective measures were suggested for all professionals and tests for SARS-CoV-2 infection in symptomatic individuals.