Descriptive analysis of a SARS-CoV-2 outbreak among health-care workers in a regional hospital in the Philippines

Authors

  • Lily Anne N Safilo Provincial Health Office, Mountain Province, Philippines
  • Ray Justin C Ventura Department of Health, Manila, Philippines
  • Mariz Zheila C Blanco Philippines Field Epidemiology Training Programme, Department of Health, Manila, Philippines
  • Karen B Lonogan Department of Health, Manila, Philippines
  • Rosario P Pamintuan Department of Health, Manila, Philippines
  • Rio L Magpantay Department of Health, Manila, Philippines

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.5365/wpsar.2023.14.3.1050

Keywords:

COVID-19, SARS-CoV-2, infectious disease outbreaks, hospital personnel, Philippines

Abstract

Objective: On 25 July 2022, trainees from the Field Epidemiology Training Programme in Northern Luzon, Philippines were sent to conduct an epidemiological investigation of six confirmed cases of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) among staff of a regional hospital in Mountain Province. The investigation had three objectives: to profile the cases, identify the source and mode of transmission, and recommend prevention and control measures.

Methods: Descriptive epidemiology was used to investigate the outbreak, with the standard case definition issued by the Philippine Department of Health.

Results: A total of 167 hospital personnel and interns tested positive for SARS-CoV-2 infection between 6 July and 31 August 2022, with a peak in the number of cases on 20 July. Among the cases, 57 (34%) had a history of travel, with 41 (25%) having travelled to Boracay island to attend team-building activities. Most cases were asymptomatic, and the most affected group was those aged 30–34 years. The highest number of cases occurred among nurses. It was discovered that the team-building activities on Boracay did not strictly adhere to safety protocols.

Discussion: This outbreak suggests that transmission of SARS-CoV-2 among health-care workers can occur through contact with other staff members outside of the hospital setting and highlights the importance of strict adherence to safety protocols to prevent the spread of SARS-CoV-2.

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Published

30-09-2023

How to Cite

1.
Safilo LAN, Ventura RJC, Blanco MZC, Lonogan KB, Pamintuan RP, Magpantay RL. Descriptive analysis of a SARS-CoV-2 outbreak among health-care workers in a regional hospital in the Philippines. Western Pac Surveill Response J [Internet]. 2023 Sep. 30 [cited 2026 Apr. 3];14(3). Available from: https://ojs.wpro.who.int/ojs/index.php/wpsar/article/view/1050

Issue

Vol. 14 No. 3 (2023): July ‒ September

Section

Outbreak Investigation Report

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