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A COVID-19 outbreak among migrants in a hosting facility in Greece, April 2020
Kassiani Mellou1, Kassiani Gkolfinopoulou1, Anastasia Andreopoulou1
1Directorate of Epidemiological Surveillance and Interventions for Infectious Diseases, National Public Health Organization, Athens, Greece.
Abstract:
In April 2020, a coronavirus disease 2019 outbreak was identified among migrants/refugees in Greece. Overall, 155 of 450 hosted migrants and two of 46 employees were infected (attack rates: 34.4% and 4.3%, respectively). The mean age of infected migrants was 24.9 years (3 days-68 years). In addition, 177 community contacts were tested negative. Cases were cohorted in separate rooms from people tested negative. Surfaces were cleaned and disinfected daily. The implementation of measures for the containment of the outbreak was challenging due to language barriers and lack of space for cohorting. At that time, there was no official recommendation to the general population regarding the use of masks or other personal protective equipment. Extensive testing of vulnerable populations and building trust in order to report symptoms and comply with the recommendations are essential.
Insights
A coronavirus disease 2019 outbreak in a Greek migrant facility infected 34.4% of residents. Containment was difficult due to language barriers and space limitations, highlighting the need for testing and trust-building.
Area of Science:
- Epidemiology
- Infectious Diseases
- Public Health
Background:
- An outbreak of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) occurred in April 2020 among migrants and refugees in Greece.
- The initial outbreak affected hosted migrants and employees within the facility.
Purpose of the Study:
- To describe the epidemiology and containment measures of a COVID-19 outbreak in a migrant/refugee population.
- To identify challenges in outbreak management within this vulnerable group.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective analysis of cases identified in April 2020.
- Cohort isolation of infected individuals and negative contacts.
- Environmental cleaning and disinfection protocols.
Main Results:
- 155 out of 450 hosted migrants (34.4% attack rate) and 2 out of 46 employees (4.3% attack rate) were infected.
- The mean age of infected migrants was 24.9 years.
- 177 community contacts tested negative.
Conclusions:
- Outbreak containment in migrant settings presents unique challenges, including language barriers and space constraints for cohorting.
- Effective management requires extensive testing, particularly of vulnerable populations.
- Building trust is crucial for symptom reporting and adherence to public health recommendations.
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