Serratia marcescens outbreak in a COVID-19 intensive care unit – Are there any factors specific to COVID-19 units that facilitate bacterial cross-contamination between COVID-19 patients?

Abstract

COVID-19 dedicated units were created early in the pandemic. Despite their need, factors specific to these units can possibly increase the risk of bacterial cross-contamination between COVID-19 patients. We report a Serratia marcescens outbreak in a COVID-19 intensive care unit, later discussing factors specific to COVID-19 units that may facilitate bacterial cross-contamination in such units, and raising awareness for such an issue.