The possibility of SARS-CoV-2 transmission in a haemodialysis unit - report from a large in-hospital centre

Epidemiol Infect. 2020 Sep 28:148:e226. doi: 10.1017/S0950268820002277.

Abstract

Data on the possibility of transmission of Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) during the provision of chronic haemodialysis, which often entails many person-to-person contacts, are lacking. We report a follow-up of the in-centre contacts of three positive chronic haemodialysis patients. Under strict preventive measures, only one patient out of 21 patient-contacts and 29 personnel-contacts tested positive within 2 weeks after the last contact. This patient, case #3, most likely became infected during unprotected, organised group transportation to the dialysis centre.

Keywords: COVID-19; Control; emerging infections; outbreaks.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Aged
  • Betacoronavirus / physiology
  • COVID-19
  • Contact Tracing
  • Coronavirus Infections / epidemiology
  • Coronavirus Infections / prevention & control
  • Coronavirus Infections / transmission*
  • Female
  • Hemodialysis Units, Hospital
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Pandemics / prevention & control
  • Patient Isolation
  • Personal Protective Equipment
  • Pneumonia, Viral / epidemiology
  • Pneumonia, Viral / prevention & control
  • Pneumonia, Viral / transmission*
  • SARS-CoV-2
  • Slovenia / epidemiology
  • Transportation