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Mass SARS-CoV-2 Testing in a Dormitory-Style Correctional Facility in Arkansas
Lindsay K Tompkins1, Jayleen K L Gunn1, Blake Cherney1
1Lindsay K. Tompkins and Allison E. James are with the Epidemic Intelligence Service, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), Atlanta, GA. Jayleen K. L. Gunn, Blake Cherney, Jason E. Ham, Roberta Horth, Rebecca Rossetti, William A. Bower, Kelsey Benson, Liesl M. Hagan, Matthew B. Crist, Shauna L. Mettee Zarecki, Meredith G. Dixon, Angela M. Starks, Zachary Weiner, Michael D. Bowen, Bettina Bankamp, Anna E. Newton, Naeemah Logan, Amy J. Schuh, Sean Trimble, Heidi Pfeiffer, Niu Tian, Francisco Ruiz, Kellen McDonald, Marlowe Thompson, Laura Cooley, Margaret A. Honein, and Dale A. Rose are with the COVID-19 Investigation Team, CDC. Charles Dusseau and Tara Ross are with the US Public Health Service Commissioned Corps, Rockville, MD. Jennifer A. Dillaha, Naveen Patil, H. Stewart Matthews, and Kelley Garner are with the Arkansas Department of Health, Little Rock. Jesica R. Jacobs is with the Laboratory Leadership Service, CDC.
Mass COVID-19 testing in correctional facilities revealed high SARS-CoV-2 prevalence, with most infected individuals being asymptomatic. Strict infection control and widespread testing are crucial to mitigate transmission in these settings.
Area of Science:
- Epidemiology
- Public Health
- Infectious Diseases
Background:
- Correctional facilities are high-risk environments for infectious disease transmission.
- Understanding SARS-CoV-2 spread within these settings is critical for public health.
- Limited data existed on COVID-19 prevalence and asymptomatic transmission in incarcerated populations.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the point prevalence of SARS-CoV-2 (the virus that causes COVID-19) among incarcerated individuals and staff.
- To identify factors associated with SARS-CoV-2 transmission within a correctional facility.
- To recommend effective mitigation strategies for controlling outbreaks in correctional settings.
Main Methods:
- Conducted point prevalence testing for SARS-CoV-2 from April 29 to May 15, 2020.
- Collected respiratory specimens from incarcerated persons and staff for laboratory testing.
- Administered questionnaires to assess symptoms and potential transmission factors.
Main Results:
- 30.5% of incarcerated individuals and 2.3% of staff tested positive for SARS-CoV-2.
- A high proportion of positive cases were asymptomatic (81.2% in incarcerated persons, 33.3% in staff).
- Incarcerated individuals reported suboptimal mask usage and close contact with others.
Conclusions:
- Testing only symptomatic individuals would miss significant SARS-CoV-2 transmission.
- Asymptomatic carriers pose a substantial risk for continued spread.
- Mass testing and stringent infection control measures are essential for mitigating COVID-19 in correctional facilities.
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