Alliance for Pandemic Preparedness

June 15, 2020

SARS-CoV-2 Shedding and Seroconversion among Passengers Quarantined after Disembarking a Cruise Ship: A Case Series

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  • Hung et al. reported a case series of 9 adult passengers with COVID-19 who had been on board the Diamond Princess cruise ship in Japan. By day 8 of the 14-day quarantine period, eight (89%) were simultaneously positive for nasopharyngeal swab RT-PCR and anti-RBD IgG. Six (67%) remained asymptomatic throughout the quarantine period. 
  • A combination of RT-PCR and serology could improve case finding and contact tracing to facilitate early diagnosis, prompt isolation, and treatment. 

Hung et al. (June 12, 2020). SARS-CoV-2 Shedding and Seroconversion among Passengers Quarantined after Disembarking a Cruise Ship: A Case Series. The Lancet Infectious Diseases. https://doi.org/10.1016/S1473-3099(20)30364-9