Prevalence of COVID19 infection in health care workers in first wave of pandemic and role of hospital infection control committee in subsequent waves of pandemic

Abstract

: Corona virus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is a new emerging infectious disease, first identified in China in December 2019, caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome corona virus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). : To study and analyze the prevalence, demographic characteristics of healthcare workers (HCWs) who tested positive for COVID-19 in a dedicated Covid hospital in Mumbai.This was a retrospective observational study of HCWs with COVID-19 in a dedicated Covid Hospital, Mumbai from April to October 2020.HCW tested positive for COVID-19 was 55 from April to October 2020.The percentage of infected hospital staff was 9.8%. Most of the infected HCWs were in the age group of 51 to 60. Mean age was 42 years. Mortality was 0.1%. Majority HCWs (70.9%) acquired infection from community; 20% acquired from the hospital and 9.1% acquired infection from infected coworkers. Majority of the affected HCWs were nurses followed by doctors. Comorbidities were reported in 23.6% of infected HCWs. 5.4% of infected HCWs received infection because of aerosol generated procedures. 58.1% of HCWs got infection despite receiving prophylaxis like HCQ, Arsenicumalbicum.HCWs are at an increased risk of COVID-19 in the workplace. Preparedness of HICC (Hospital Infection Control Committee), frequent training sessions and mock drills are of paramount importance in preventing spread of infectious disease. Coordination between Hospital Administrators, Public Health Officials of national and international organizations, Engineering Department, Occupational Health and Safety staff is essential in combating pandemic.