Alliance for Pandemic Preparedness

April 29, 2021

COVID-19 Outbreak Among Farmworkers — Okanogan County, Washington, May–August 2020

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  • Investigation of a large SARS-CoV-2 outbreak among employees of a fruit grower in Okanogan County in Washington State between May and August 2020 found that cumulative incidence of SARS-CoV-2 infection was higher among employees living in the community than those living in congregate temporary housing (12% vs 4%). Cumulative incidence was highest among employees packing and sorting fruit indoors (28%) and lowest among those working in small groups indoors or working outdoors, including forklift operators (10%), warehouse employees (7%), and office employees (6%). Point prevalence was 1% among all employees at a one-time screening event in August.

Miller et al. (Apr 30, 2021). COVID-19 Outbreak Among Farmworkers — Okanogan County, Washington, May–August 2020. MMWR. https://doi.org/10.15585/mmwr.mm7017a3