Article Summary
May 1, 2020
COVID-19 Among Workers in Meat and Poultry Processing Facilities ― 19 States, April 2020
The CDC reported that among 115 meat or poultry processing facilities in 19 states, there were a total of 4,913 cases (3% of workers) and 20 COVID-19–related deaths (as of April 27). The percentage of workers with COVID-19 at each facility ranged from 0.6% to 18.2%. The report recommends improvements in COVID-19 prevention and control…
Racial, Economic and Health Inequality and COVID-1 Infection in the United States
This population-based cross-sectional study explores racial and economic inequality associated with the infection and mortality due to COVID-19 in the US. Counties with more diverse demographics, higher population, education, income levels, and lower disability rates have higher rates of COVID-19 infection. Counties with higher disability and poverty rates have higher mortality rates. African Americans experience…
Impact of virus testing on COVID-19 case fatality rate: estimate using a fixed-effects model
Terriau et al. report that a strategy of widespread screening for COVID-19 infection using RT-PCR and focusing on asymptomatic as well as symptomatic individuals could significantly decrease case-fatality ratios in France. They estimate 1 life would be saved for each additional 1000 screening tests of COVID-19 infection. The authors say their analysis supports implementation of…
Modeling Serological Testing to Inform Relaxation of Social Distancing for COVID-19 Control
This study uses a disease transmission model to compare deaths and critical care admissions in scenarios where social distancing measures are preferentially relaxed for members of the US population who are seropositive for SARS-CoV-2. Such strategies would rely on serological tests correctly identifying individuals who are protected against infection. Implementing a strategy of serological testing…
Effects of COVID-19 Lockdown on Lifestyle Behaviors in Children with Obesity Living in Verona, Italy: A Longitudinal Study
Pietrobelli et al. examined whether youth who are classified as obese display unfavorable trends in lifestyle behavior when removed from structured school activities and confined at home during the COVID-19 pandemic. They found significantly increased intake of potato chips, red meat, and sugary drinks. Time spent in sports activities decreased by 2.30 hours/week. Sleep time…
Cardiovascular Manifestations and Treatment Considerations in Covid-19
Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is a risk factor for severe COVID-19 disease and mortality. Additionally, evidence of myocardial injury (defined as elevation of high-sensitivity cardiac troponin (hs-cTn)) is common in COVID-19 patients and portends a worse prognosis. Increased levels of hs-cTn correlate with disease severity and mortality in COVID-19 patients, even after controlling for comorbidities. The…
High Frequency of SARS-CoV-2 RNAemia and Association with Severe Disease
Detection of SARS-CoV-2 RNA in the blood is associated with poor clinical outcomes and increased mortality among COVID-19 patients. In this study, SARS-CoV-2 RNA was detected in 33% (28/85) of patients, the majority of whom were hospitalized (22/28). Detection of RNA occurred more frequently in individuals who required an ICU transfer (32% v 14%; p=0.05),…
Second-Trimester Miscarriage in a Pregnant Woman With SARS-CoV-2 Infection
Baud et al. present a single case report of a second trimester miscarriage in a pregnant woman with COVID-19. The authors found evidence that the miscarriage was related to placental infection with SARS-CoV-2. Findings from a placental histological examination and fetal autopsy found that the placental submembrane and cotyledon both tested positive for SARS-CoV-2, while…
Co-infection in SARS-CoV-2 infected Patients: Where Are Influenza Virus and Rhinovirus/Enterovirus?
Recent case reports suggest that people co-infected with SARS-CoV-2 and other respiratory viruses (such as influenza virus and seasonal coronaviruses) may have higher morbidity and mortality. However, Nowak et al. found that co-infection was uncommon. In a retrospective review of laboratory results from 8 inpatient and associated outpatient facilities in the greater New York City…
Obesity could shift severe COVID-19 disease to younger ages
Kass et al. suggest that in populations with high prevalence of obesity, COVID-19 will affect younger populations more than previously reported. Among 265 patients admitted to ICU at 6 university hospitals across the U.S., there was a significant inverse correlation between age and BMI, such that younger individuals admitted to hospital were more likely to…
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