CDC: COVID-19 Outbreak Occurred at Overnight Camp
A new
report
published by CDC describes an outbreak of COVID-19 at an overnight youth camp in Georgia in June. The outbreak occurred despite the camp following CDC suggestions to cohort attendees by cabin, stagger cohorts’ use of communal spaces, implement physical distancing outside of cabin cohorts, and enhance cleaning and disinfection of shared equipment and spaces. Per the state’s executive order, the camp required all trainees, staff members, and campers to provide documentation of a negative viral SARS-CoV-2 test 12 days or fewer before arriving. According to CDC’s report, the camp did not teach and reinforce the use of cloth masks for campers or open windows and doors to increase building ventilation.
According to CDC, the camp held orientation for 138 trainees and 120 staff members June 17–20. Staff members remained at the camp following orientation, and 363 campers and three additional senior staff members arrived on June 21. Two days later, a teenage staff member left the camp after developing chills. The staff member was tested and received a positive test result for SARS-CoV-2 on June 24. CDC states that camp officials began sending campers home that same day, and the camp was closed on June 27.
CDC’s preliminary analysis focuses on the 597 residents of Georgia who attended the camp. According to CDC, test results were available for 344 attendees. Of this group, 76 percent tested positive for SARS-CoV-2 between their first day at camp and 14 days after leaving. The median age of campers was 12 years, and the median age of staff members was 17.
“This investigation adds to the body of evidence demonstrating that children of all ages are susceptible to SARS-CoV-2 infection and, contrary to early reports, might play an important role in transmission,” CDC’s report states.
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BACTERIA AND VIRUSES