Alliance for Pandemic Preparedness

September 23, 2020

Seroprevalence of Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2) Infection Among VA Healthcare System Employees Suggests Higher Risk of Infection When Exposed to SARS-CoV-2 Outside of the Work Environment

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  • Among Veterans Affairs Healthcare System employees (n=2,900), those who reported direct contact with someone with COVID-19 outside of work were more likely to have SARS-CoV-2 antibodies. Facility-wide testing (June 8 to July 8, 2020) identified 5% of employees (n=1,476) of a Veterans Affairs Healthcare System tested positive for SARS-COV-2 IgG antibodies, of whom 29% reported no history of symptoms for SARS-CoV-2 infection. Those who reported exposure to someone with known COVID-19 outside of work had a significantly higher seroprevalence compared to those who did not (15% vs. 4%).

Dimcheff et al. (Sept 23, 2020). Seroprevalence of Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2) Infection Among VA Healthcare System Employees Suggests Higher Risk of Infection When Exposed to SARS-CoV-2 Outside of the Work Environment. Infection Control & Hospital Epidemiology. https://doi.org/10.1017/ice.2020.1220