Alliance for Pandemic Preparedness

October 19, 2020

Asymptomatic and Presymptomatic Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 Infection Rates in a Multistate Sample of Skilled Nursing Facilities

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  • SARS-CoV-2 testing surveys among residents of skilled nursing facilities (SNFs) identified that approximately 40% of residents testing positive for SARS-CoV-2 cases were asymptomatic, emphasizing the importance of testing all residents rather than relying on symptom-based screening. Greater numbers of asymptomatic and presymptomatic individuals were detected in SNFs located in areas with high SARS-CoV-2 prevalence. Of the cases identified in SNFs with facility-wide testing, 41% were asymptomatic, 9% were presymptomatic, and 40% were symptomatic at presentation. Of the cases identified in SNFs with unit-based testing, 37% were asymptomatic, 16% were presymptomatic, and 47% were symptomatic at presentation. 

White et al. (Oct 19, 2020). Asymptomatic and Presymptomatic Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 Infection Rates in a Multistate Sample of Skilled Nursing Facilities. JAMA Internal Medicine. https://doi.org/10.1001/jamainternmed.2020.5664