Alliance for Pandemic Preparedness

January 5, 2021

Rapid Transmission of Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 in Detention Facility, Louisiana, USA, May–June, 2020

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A cohort investigation in a detention facility in Louisiana identified rapid transmission and high cumulative incidence of SARS-CoV-2 infection among quarantined inmates. Among 143 persons in 6 quarantined dormitories tested using serial nasal swabs, 53 were PCR positive at initial testing and an additional 58 persons tested positive at later time points (cumulative incidence 78%). In 1 dormitory where all 45 detained persons were PCR negative at initial testing, 40 (89%) were positive 18 days later. Among persons who tested positive, 47% (52/111) had asymptomatic infection at the time of testing.

Wallace et al. (Jan 4, 2021). Rapid Transmission of Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 in Detention Facility, Louisiana, USA, May–June, 2020. Emerging Infectious Diseases. https://doi.org/10.3201/eid2702.204158