Because so many people can have COVID-19 and not show symptoms, operators should implement a transmission-prevention strategy when they discover a single case, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
The CDC made this recommendation in the April 3 edition of its “Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report.” The agency discussed how it performed symptom assessments on 76 of 82 residents of a King County, WA, nursing home on March 13.
Among 23 (30%) residents with positive test results, 10 (43%) had symptoms on the date of testing, and 13 (57%) were asymptomatic. It also detected large amounts of viral RNA in these residents, suggesting the potential for transmission of the virus.
The CDC concluded, “Symptom-based screening in SNFs could fail to identify approximately half of residents with COVID-19. Long-term care facilities should take proactive steps to prevent introduction of [COVID-19].”
Once a confirmed case is identified, the CDC originally suggested the following actions: universal facemask use for all healthcare personnel while in the facility; use of CDC-recommended personal protective equipment for the care of all residents (i.e., a gown, gloves, eye protection, an N95 respirator or, if not available, a face mask); and strategies for extended PPE use and limited reuse.
