Alliance for Pandemic Preparedness

October 6, 2020

Adolescent with COVID-19 as the Source of an Outbreak at a 3-Week Family Gathering — Four States, June–July 2020

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  • An adolescent (13 years old) was the index case of an outbreak that occurred during a 3-week family gathering where 11 of 14 attendees developed COVID-19, despite the index case testing negative with a rapid antigen test prior to the gathering. Six other family members who maintained physical distancing by remaining outdoors did not develop COVID-19.
  • This outbreak investigation highlights the possibility of spread from children and adolescents, evidence of benefit from physical distancing, the lower sensitivity of rapid antigen tests, and the efficiency with which SARS-CoV-2 can spread during gatherings with prolonged close contact.

Schwartz et al. (Oct 5, 2020). Adolescent with COVID-19 as the Source of an Outbreak at a 3-Week Family Gathering — Four States, June–July 2020. MMWR. https://doi.org/10.15585/mmwr.mm6940e2