Third wave of COVID-19 in Madrid, Spain. (June 2021)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Soriano, Vicente; de Mendoza, Carmen; Gómez-Gallego, Felix; Corral, Octavio; Barreiro, Pablo
• Is Part Of: International journal of infectious diseases. Volume 107(2021)
• Page Start: 212
• Page End: 214
• Publication Date: 2021-06
• Subjects: Coronavirus -- Transmission -- Mortality -- Reinfections -- Antigen testing; Communicable diseases -- Periodicals; Communicable Diseases -- Periodicals; Communicable diseases; Periodicals; Electronic journals; 616.9
• DOI: 10.1016/j.ijid.2021.04.074
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1201-9712

Abstract

Highlights: A third wave of COVID-19 occurred after Christmas 2020 in Madrid. Household contacts represented a large proportion of cases. Clinically severe cases and mortality were lower compared with previous waves. By Easter 2021 ∼25% of the population in Madrid had been infected with SARS-CoV-2. Vaccination benefits were seen in healthcare workers and nursing homes. Abstract: A third wave of COVID-19 occurred after Christmas 2020 in Madrid, one of the European pandemic epicenters. We noticed 6 major differential features to previous waves. First, household contacts were a large proportion of cases. Second, access to rapid antigen tests allowed prompt diagnosis and isolation. Third, clinically severe cases and mortality rates were lower. Fourth, the more transmissible B.1.1.7 strain was increasingly found. Fifth, vaccination benefits were seen in healthcare workers and nursing homes. Lastly, reinfections were more common. By Easter 2021, approximately 25% of the population in Madrid had been infected with SARS-CoV-2. Therefore, massive and accelerated vaccination campaigns are warranted to prevent new COVID-19 waves.