COVID-19 exposure risk for family members of healthcare workers: An observational study

Many publications have considered the exposure risk to COVID-19 of the general population and healthcare workers. However, no available papers have discussed the risk of exposure by family members of health care workers.

The present study collected data on SARS-COV-2 positive family members (FM) of health care workers (HW) using serological rapid IgM/IgG tests (SRT), compared to positive HWs on SRT and serological quantitative IgG tests (SQT).

The study was conducted from May 2 to 31, 2020. Thirty-eight HWs were tested by both SRT and SQT; 81 FMs were screened using SRT. Descriptive statistical analyses were used to summarize the data.

Of the 38 HWs, two (5,3%) showed an IgG line on SRT, confirmed by SQT. Thirty-two HWs decided on self-isolation from the family during the SARS-COV-2 spread. Out of 81 FMs, 26 (32,1%) were found IgG positive on SRT. Eleven (42%) of them had symptoms typical for COVID-19, during the study period. In two families, the HWs were the only negative cases.

The general population's exposure to COVID-19 is less controlled than that of HWs. HWs experienced a lower infection rate than their families and did not represent a main transmission risk for relatives.