TY - JOUR
T1 - A Comprehensive Sampling Study on SARS-CoV-2 Contamination of Air and Surfaces in a Large Meat Processing Plant Experiencing COVID-19 Clusters in June 2020
AU - De Rooij, Myrna M.T.
AU - Sikkema, Reina S.
AU - Bouwknegt, Martijn
AU - De Geus, Yvette
AU - Stanoeva, Kamelia R.
AU - Nieuwenweg, Sigrid
AU - Van Dam, Adriana S.G.
AU - Raben, Ceder
AU - Dohmen, Wietske
AU - Heederik, Dick
AU - Reusken, Chantal
AU - Meijer, Adam
AU - Koopmans, Marion P.G.
AU - Franz, Eelco
AU - Smit, Lidwien A.M.
N1 - Publisher Copyright:
© Wolters Kluwer Health, Inc. All rights reserved.
PY - 2023/4/1
Y1 - 2023/4/1
N2 - Objective We aimed to assess SARS-CoV-2 contamination of air and surfaces to gain insight into potential occupational exposure in a large meat processing plant experiencing COVID-19 clusters. Methods: Oro-nasopharyngeal SARS-CoV-2 screening was performed in 76 workers. Environmental samples (n = 275) including air, ventilation systems, sewage, and swabs of high-touch surfaces and workers' hands were tested for SARS-CoV-2 RNA by real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction. Results: Twenty-seven (35.5%) of the (predominantly asymptomatic) workers tested positive with modest to low viral loads (cycle threshold ≥ 29.7). Six of 203 surface swabs, 1 of 12 personal air samples, and one of four sewage samples tested positive; other samples tested negative. Conclusions: Although one third of workers tested positive, environmental contamination was limited. Widespread SARS-CoV-2 transmission via air and surfaces was considered unlikely within this plant at the time of investigation while strict COVID-19 control measures were already implemented.
AB - Objective We aimed to assess SARS-CoV-2 contamination of air and surfaces to gain insight into potential occupational exposure in a large meat processing plant experiencing COVID-19 clusters. Methods: Oro-nasopharyngeal SARS-CoV-2 screening was performed in 76 workers. Environmental samples (n = 275) including air, ventilation systems, sewage, and swabs of high-touch surfaces and workers' hands were tested for SARS-CoV-2 RNA by real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction. Results: Twenty-seven (35.5%) of the (predominantly asymptomatic) workers tested positive with modest to low viral loads (cycle threshold ≥ 29.7). Six of 203 surface swabs, 1 of 12 personal air samples, and one of four sewage samples tested positive; other samples tested negative. Conclusions: Although one third of workers tested positive, environmental contamination was limited. Widespread SARS-CoV-2 transmission via air and surfaces was considered unlikely within this plant at the time of investigation while strict COVID-19 control measures were already implemented.
UR - http://www.scopus.com/inward/record.url?scp=85152173483&partnerID=8YFLogxK
U2 - 10.1097/JOM.0000000000002785
DO - 10.1097/JOM.0000000000002785
M3 - Article
C2 - 36640441
AN - SCOPUS:85152173483
SN - 1076-2752
VL - 65
SP - E227-E233
JO - Journal of Occupational and Environmental Medicine
JF - Journal of Occupational and Environmental Medicine
IS - 4
ER -
