May 19, 2021

SARS-CoV-2 Superspread in Fitness Center, Hong Kong, China, March 2021

Category: Article Summary

Topic: Transmission

Keywords (Tags): transmission

• A SARS-CoV-2 superspreading event in a fitness center in Hong Kong that resulted in 102 cases likely occurred due to lack of mask wearing during exercise and poor ventilation. The outbreak was detected following investigation of a fitness trainer who worked at the facility who tested positive in a voluntary screening program. 45% of cases were asymptomatic, which is notably higher than that of all confirmed cases in Hong Kong (30%). Viral sequencing of respiratory samples from 59 of the cases found that all samples genetically clustered together, confirming that the event was caused by a single virus introduction. None of the cases had received a COVID-19 vaccine prior to the outbreak.  The authors note their findings highlight the risk of transmission in confined spaces with poor ventilation when masks are not worn.

Chu et al. (May 18, 2021). SARS-CoV-2 Superspread in Fitness Center, Hong Kong, China, March 2021. Emerging Infectious Diseases.  https://wwwnc.cdc.gov/eid/article/27/8/21-0833_article