COVID-19 within a large UK prison with a high number of vulnerable adults, march to june 2020: An outbreak investigation and screening event. (March 2021)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Wilburn, Jennifer; Blakey, Eleanor; Trindall, Amy; Burr, Helen; Tanti, Vince; Doolan, Sue; Palmer, Ian; Jewell, Tony; Balakrishnan, Ravikumar
• Is Part Of: International journal of infectious diseases. Volume 104(2021)
• Page Start: 349
• Page End: 353
• Publication Date: 2021-03
• Subjects: Outbreak investigation -- Prison health -- COVID-19 -- Epidemiology; Communicable diseases -- Periodicals; Communicable Diseases -- Periodicals; Communicable diseases; Periodicals; Electronic journals; 616.9
• DOI: 10.1016/j.ijid.2021.01.027
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1201-9712

Abstract

Highlights: Most residents who displayed symptoms were in the high-risk category (62.1%). Most symptomatic residents and staff were from wings I and L. A universal screening event in the prison detected no positive cases of COVID-19. COVID-19 outbreaks in prisons can be quickly contained by a multi-agency response. Abstract: Objective: To describe the public health response to COVID-19 within a large prison with a high number of clinically vulnerable residents. Design: An outbreak investigation was undertaken among all residents and staff. A screening event involved nose and throat swab samples from residents and staff, examined by polymerase chain reaction (PCR). An electronic questionnaire regarding risk factors was distributed to staff. Results: 58 residents out of 1, 156 (5.0%, 95% CI: 3.8 – 6.3) and 129 staff out of 510 (25.3%, 95% CI: 21.5 – 29.1) displayed COVID-19 symptoms, including six and eight confirmed, respectively. Residents reported cough symptoms with no fever (29.3%), followed by a cough and fever (15.5%). 62.1% of symptomatic residents were 50 years or older, placing them in the group at risk for severe COVID-19 disease. Wing I had the highest attack rate (12.5%). 1, 063 individuals were swabbed during the 5-day screening event, and all had negative swab results. Conclusion: The findings were consistent with the hypothesis of a propagating outbreak with decreasing incidence since the peak date of onset. COVID-19 transmission within a high-risk setting was quickly contained, and an explosive outbreak was prevented through a multi-agency public health response.