Asymptomatic COVID-19 in hospital visitors: The underestimated potential of viral shedding
Victor Cabelho Passarelli, Klinger Soares Faíco-Filho, Luiz Vinícius Leão Moreira, Ana Paula Cunha Chaves, Joseane Mayara Almeida Carvalho, Gabriela Rodrigues Barbosa, Clarice Neves Camargo, D. Conte, Ana Helena Perosa, Nancy Bellei
Abstract
In a single day, six of 150 (4%) asymptomatic visitors were diagnosed with COVID-19 at a hospital with a universal masking policy. Two inpatients (contacts) subsequently developed symptoms. More rigorous protective measures during visitation periods may need to be included in infection control practices to reduce nosocomial transmissions.
Topics & Concepts
AsymptomaticCoronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19)Masking (illustration)MedicineSevere acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2)Viral shedding2019-20 coronavirus outbreakAsymptomatic carrierInfection controlVirologyIntensive care medicinePediatricsEmergency medicineInternal medicineVirusDiseaseOutbreakInfectious disease (medical specialty)Visual artsArtInfection Control and VentilationCOVID-19 and Mental HealthCOVID-19 epidemiological studies