Solano County, California
February 2020

A summary of the CDC’s April 14 Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report

What is already known about this topic?

Health care personnel (HCP) are at heightened risk of acquiring COVID-19 infection, but limited information exists about transmission in health care settings.

What is added by this report?

Among 121 HCP exposed to a patient with unrecognized COVID-19, 43 became symptomatic and were tested for SARS-CoV-2, of whom three had positive test results; all three had unprotected patient contact. Exposures while performing physical examinations or during nebulizer treatments were more common among HCP with COVID-19.

What are the implications for public health practice?

Unprotected, prolonged patient contact, as well as certain exposures, including some aerosol-generating procedures, were associated with SARS-CoV-2 infection in HCP. Early recognition and isolation of patients with possible infection and recommended PPE use can help minimize unprotected, high-risk HCP exposures and protect the health care workforce.

You can read the full report here:

https://www.cdc.gov/mmwr/volumes/69/wr/mm6915e5.htm