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Ferreira da Silva L, Alcantara LCJ, Fonseca V, Frias D, Umaki Zardin MCS, de Castro Lichs GG, Esposito AOP, Xavier J, Fritsch H, Lima M, de Oliveira C, Castilho de Arruda LD, Maziero LDMA, Rodrigues Barretos EC, Tsuha Oshiro PE, Gimenes Mendes Menezes EF, de Freitas Cardoso L, Ferreira Lemos E, Lourenço J, de Albuquerque CFC, do Carmo Said RF, Rosewell A, Ferraz Demarchi LH, Croda J, Giovanetti M, Maymone Gonçalves CC. Insights into SARS-CoV-2 Surveillance among Prison Populations in Mato Grosso do Sul, Brazil, in 2022. Viruses 2024; 16:1143. [PMID: 39066305 PMCID: PMC11281713 DOI: 10.3390/v16071143] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/14/2024] [Revised: 07/09/2024] [Accepted: 07/15/2024] [Indexed: 07/28/2024] Open
Abstract
This study examines the epidemiological and genomic characteristics, along with the transmission dynamics, of SARS-CoV-2 within prison units I and II in Campo Grande, Mato Grosso do Sul, Brazil. Conducted between May and October 2022, it reveals how the virus spreads in the confined settings of prisons, emphasizing the roles of overcrowded cells, frequent transfers, and limited healthcare access. The research involved 1927 participants (83.93% of the total prison population) and utilized nasopharyngeal swabs and RT-qPCR testing for detection. Contact tracing monitored exposure within cells. Out of 2108 samples, 66 positive cases were identified (3.13%), mostly asymptomatic (77.27%), with the majority aged 21-29 and varying vaccination statuses. Next-generation sequencing generated 28 whole genome sequences, identifying the Omicron variant (subtypes BA.2 and BA.5) with 99% average coverage. Additionally, the study seeks to determine the relationship between immunization levels and the incidence of SARS-CoV-2 cases within this enclosed population. The findings underscore the necessity of comprehensive control strategies in prisons, including rigorous screening, isolation protocols, vaccination, epidemiological monitoring, and genomic surveillance to mitigate disease transmission and protect both the incarcerated population and the broader community.
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Affiliation(s)
- Liliane Ferreira da Silva
- Secretaria de Estado de Saúde, Campo Grande 79031-350, Mato Grosso do Sul, Brazil; (L.F.d.S.); (L.D.C.d.A.); (L.d.M.A.M.); (E.C.R.B.); (P.E.T.O.); (E.F.G.M.M.); (L.d.F.C.); (C.C.M.G.)
- School of Medicine, Universidade Federal de Mato Grosso do Sul, Campo Grande 79070-900, Mato Grosso do Sul, Brazil
| | - Luiz Carlos Junior Alcantara
- Instituto René Rachou, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz, Belo Horizonte 30190-002, Minas Gerais, Brazil; (L.C.J.A.); (J.X.); (H.F.); (M.L.)
- Climate Amplified Diseases and Epidemics (CLIMADE), Bairro Floresta 31110-370, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | - Vagner Fonseca
- Climate Amplified Diseases and Epidemics (CLIMADE), Bairro Floresta 31110-370, Minas Gerais, Brazil
- Departamento de Ciências Exatas e da Terra, Universidade do Estado da Bahia, Salvador 40301-110, Bahia, Brazil;
- Centre for Epidemic Response and Innovation, School of Data Science and Computational Thinking, Stellenbosch University, Stellenbosch 7600, South Africa
| | - Diego Frias
- Departamento de Ciências Exatas e da Terra, Universidade do Estado da Bahia, Salvador 40301-110, Bahia, Brazil;
| | - Marina Castilhos Souza Umaki Zardin
- Laboratório Central de Saúde Pública de Mato Grosso do Sul/SES/MS, Campo Grande 79031-350, Mato Grosso do Sul, Brazil; (M.C.S.U.Z.); (G.G.d.C.L.); (A.O.P.E.); (L.H.F.D.)
| | - Gislene Garcia de Castro Lichs
- Laboratório Central de Saúde Pública de Mato Grosso do Sul/SES/MS, Campo Grande 79031-350, Mato Grosso do Sul, Brazil; (M.C.S.U.Z.); (G.G.d.C.L.); (A.O.P.E.); (L.H.F.D.)
| | - Ana Olivia Pascoto Esposito
- Laboratório Central de Saúde Pública de Mato Grosso do Sul/SES/MS, Campo Grande 79031-350, Mato Grosso do Sul, Brazil; (M.C.S.U.Z.); (G.G.d.C.L.); (A.O.P.E.); (L.H.F.D.)
| | - Joilson Xavier
- Instituto René Rachou, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz, Belo Horizonte 30190-002, Minas Gerais, Brazil; (L.C.J.A.); (J.X.); (H.F.); (M.L.)
| | - Hegger Fritsch
- Instituto René Rachou, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz, Belo Horizonte 30190-002, Minas Gerais, Brazil; (L.C.J.A.); (J.X.); (H.F.); (M.L.)
| | - Mauricio Lima
- Instituto René Rachou, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz, Belo Horizonte 30190-002, Minas Gerais, Brazil; (L.C.J.A.); (J.X.); (H.F.); (M.L.)
| | - Carla de Oliveira
- Laboratório de Arbovírus e Vírus Hemorrágicos, Instituto Oswaldo Cruz, Manguinhos 21040-900, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil;
| | - Larissa Domingues Castilho de Arruda
- Secretaria de Estado de Saúde, Campo Grande 79031-350, Mato Grosso do Sul, Brazil; (L.F.d.S.); (L.D.C.d.A.); (L.d.M.A.M.); (E.C.R.B.); (P.E.T.O.); (E.F.G.M.M.); (L.d.F.C.); (C.C.M.G.)
- School of Medicine, Universidade Federal de Mato Grosso do Sul, Campo Grande 79070-900, Mato Grosso do Sul, Brazil
| | - Livia de Mello Almeida Maziero
- Secretaria de Estado de Saúde, Campo Grande 79031-350, Mato Grosso do Sul, Brazil; (L.F.d.S.); (L.D.C.d.A.); (L.d.M.A.M.); (E.C.R.B.); (P.E.T.O.); (E.F.G.M.M.); (L.d.F.C.); (C.C.M.G.)
- School of Medicine, Universidade Federal de Mato Grosso do Sul, Campo Grande 79070-900, Mato Grosso do Sul, Brazil
| | - Ellen Caroline Rodrigues Barretos
- Secretaria de Estado de Saúde, Campo Grande 79031-350, Mato Grosso do Sul, Brazil; (L.F.d.S.); (L.D.C.d.A.); (L.d.M.A.M.); (E.C.R.B.); (P.E.T.O.); (E.F.G.M.M.); (L.d.F.C.); (C.C.M.G.)
| | - Paulo Eduardo Tsuha Oshiro
- Secretaria de Estado de Saúde, Campo Grande 79031-350, Mato Grosso do Sul, Brazil; (L.F.d.S.); (L.D.C.d.A.); (L.d.M.A.M.); (E.C.R.B.); (P.E.T.O.); (E.F.G.M.M.); (L.d.F.C.); (C.C.M.G.)
| | - Evellyn Fernanda Gimenes Mendes Menezes
- Secretaria de Estado de Saúde, Campo Grande 79031-350, Mato Grosso do Sul, Brazil; (L.F.d.S.); (L.D.C.d.A.); (L.d.M.A.M.); (E.C.R.B.); (P.E.T.O.); (E.F.G.M.M.); (L.d.F.C.); (C.C.M.G.)
| | - Lucélia de Freitas Cardoso
- Secretaria de Estado de Saúde, Campo Grande 79031-350, Mato Grosso do Sul, Brazil; (L.F.d.S.); (L.D.C.d.A.); (L.d.M.A.M.); (E.C.R.B.); (P.E.T.O.); (E.F.G.M.M.); (L.d.F.C.); (C.C.M.G.)
| | - Everton Ferreira Lemos
- School of Medicine, Universidade Estadual do Mato Grosso do Sul, Campo Grande 79070-900, Mato Grosso do Sul, Brazil;
| | - José Lourenço
- Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade Católica Portuguesa, Biomedical Research Center, 1649-023 Lisbon, Portugal
- Climate Amplified Diseases and Epidemics (CLIMADE), 1749-016 Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Carlos F. C. de Albuquerque
- Coordenação de Vigilância, Preparação e Resposta à Emergências e Desastres (PHE), Organização Pan-Americana da Saúde/Organização Mundial da Saúde (OPAS/OMS), Brasília 25045-002, Federal District, Brazil; (C.F.C.d.A.); (R.F.d.C.S.); (A.R.)
| | - Rodrigo Fabiano do Carmo Said
- Coordenação de Vigilância, Preparação e Resposta à Emergências e Desastres (PHE), Organização Pan-Americana da Saúde/Organização Mundial da Saúde (OPAS/OMS), Brasília 25045-002, Federal District, Brazil; (C.F.C.d.A.); (R.F.d.C.S.); (A.R.)
| | - Alexander Rosewell
- Coordenação de Vigilância, Preparação e Resposta à Emergências e Desastres (PHE), Organização Pan-Americana da Saúde/Organização Mundial da Saúde (OPAS/OMS), Brasília 25045-002, Federal District, Brazil; (C.F.C.d.A.); (R.F.d.C.S.); (A.R.)
| | - Luiz Henrique Ferraz Demarchi
- Laboratório Central de Saúde Pública de Mato Grosso do Sul/SES/MS, Campo Grande 79031-350, Mato Grosso do Sul, Brazil; (M.C.S.U.Z.); (G.G.d.C.L.); (A.O.P.E.); (L.H.F.D.)
| | - Julio Croda
- Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade Federal de Mato Grosso do Sul, Campo Grande 79070-900, Mato Grosso do Sul, Brazil;
- Department of Epidemiology of Microbial Diseases, Yale University School of Public Health, New Haven, CT 06510, USA
- Fundação Oswaldo Cruz, Mato Grosso do Sul, Universidade Federal de Mato Grosso do Sul, Campo Grande 79070-900, Mato Grosso do Sul, Brazil
| | - Marta Giovanetti
- Department of Sciences and Technologies for Sustainable Development and One Health, Universita Campus Bio-Medico di Roma, 00128 Selcetta, Italy
- Oswaldo Cruz Foundation, Manguinhos 21040-900, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Crhistinne Cavalheiro Maymone Gonçalves
- Secretaria de Estado de Saúde, Campo Grande 79031-350, Mato Grosso do Sul, Brazil; (L.F.d.S.); (L.D.C.d.A.); (L.d.M.A.M.); (E.C.R.B.); (P.E.T.O.); (E.F.G.M.M.); (L.d.F.C.); (C.C.M.G.)
- School of Medicine, Universidade Federal de Mato Grosso do Sul, Campo Grande 79070-900, Mato Grosso do Sul, Brazil
- Laboratório Central de Saúde Pública de Mato Grosso do Sul/SES/MS, Campo Grande 79031-350, Mato Grosso do Sul, Brazil; (M.C.S.U.Z.); (G.G.d.C.L.); (A.O.P.E.); (L.H.F.D.)
- Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade Federal de Mato Grosso do Sul, Campo Grande 79070-900, Mato Grosso do Sul, Brazil;
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Munkholm MC. Prisoners' experiences and coping strategies during the COVID-19 pandemic response - an ethnographic study conducted mid-pandemic. Int J Prison Health 2022; 19:452-463. [PMID: 36512415 DOI: 10.1108/ijph-03-2022-0018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE This paper aims to report findings about how prisoners experience and cope with COVID-19 restrictions, which can contribute to an understanding of how pandemic responses, and specifically the COVID-19 response, affect prisoners. DESIGN/METHODOLOGY/APPROACH Data was collected through ethnographic fieldwork involving days of observations (N = 24) and the conduction of semi-structured interviews with prisoners (N = 30) in closed prisons and detentions in Denmark between May and December 2021. The transcribed interviews and field notes were processed and coded by using the software programme NVivo. FINDINGS The data analysis reveals that the pains of imprisonment have been exacerbated to people incarcerated during the COVID-19 pandemic. To relieve pains of imprisonment, prisoners turn to censoriousness as an informal coping strategy, where they complain about inconsistency and injustice in the prison's COVID-19 prevention strategy to reveal the prison system itself as a rule-breaking institution. The prisoners criticise the prison management for using COVID-19 as an excuse, treating prisoners unjustly or not upholding the COVID-19 rules and human rights. Furthermore, principles of justice and equality are also alleged by some prisoners who contemplate the difficulty in treating all prisoners the same. RESEARCH LIMITATIONS/IMPLICATIONS More research will be needed to create a full picture of how prisoners cope with pandemic responses. Further research could include interviews with people working inside prisons. ORIGINALITY/VALUE In a Scandinavian context, to the best of the author's knowledge, this study is the first of its kind to apply an ethnographic approach in exploring prison life during the COVID-19 pandemic.
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Martins ÉLC, Oliveira GLAD, Constantino P. Ações governamentais para controle e prevenção da COVID-19 em prisões: uma revisão de escopo. CIENCIA & SAUDE COLETIVA 2022; 27:4435-4450. [DOI: 10.1590/1413-812320222712.09962022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/26/2021] [Accepted: 06/23/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Resumo Trata-se de uma revisão de escopo da literatura sobre as ações adotadas pelos países, durante o ano de 2020, para o cuidado das pessoas que vivenciam o ambiente prisional durante a pandemia de COVID-19. Selecionamos 54 publicações para extração de dados, encontrando dados de 45 países, que foram organizados em categorias. A maior parte das publicações abordava as estratégias adotadas pelos países de economia avançada. Todas as publicações citavam alguma estratégia destinada a reduzir a transmissão viral - as principais foram a restrição/suspensão da visitação de familiares e o desencarceramento - e intervenções relativas à melhoria da infraestrutura nas prisões, sendo mais citada a disponibilização de telefone e/ou outro dispositivo para chamadas ou videochamadas. As políticas destinadas à mitigação das consequências da epidemia e das intervenções foram encontradas em publicações referentes a 33 países, sendo mais abordada a manutenção do contato familiar e a revisão da política de segurança pública. Em relação às políticas de governança, foram relatadas ações de 11 países, sendo a mais citada o fortalecimento da autoridade nacional. Este estudo aponta para a necessidade de pesquisas a respeito do sucesso de cada estratégia e das diferenças entre os países.
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Martins ÉLC, Oliveira GLAD, Constantino P. Government actions for COVID-19 control and prevention in prisons: a scoping review. CIENCIA & SAUDE COLETIVA 2022. [DOI: 10.1590/1413-812320222712.09962022en] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Abstract This is a scoping review of the literature on actions taken by countries during 2020 regarding the care for people living in the prison environment during the COVID-19 pandemic. We selected 54 publications for data mining and found data from 45 countries, which were organized into categories. Most of the literature addressed strategies adopted by countries with advanced economies. All of them mentioned some strategies to reduce viral transmission - the major ones were restricted/suspended family visits and desincarceration - and interventions to improve infrastructures in prisons, the provision of a telephone or other devices for calls or video calls being the most mentioned. Policies to mitigate the effects of the epidemic and interventions were found in publications referencing 33 countries, with the main focus on keeping family contact and reviewing the public safety policy. Concerning governance policies, measures from 11 countries were reported, and the most cited was national authority reinforcement. This study highlights the need for research on the success of each strategy and the differences among those countries.
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Afroogh S, Esmalian A, Mostafavi A, Akbari A, Rasoulkhani K, Esmaeili S, Hajiramezanali E. Tracing app technology: an ethical review in the COVID-19 era and directions for post-COVID-19. ETHICS AND INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY 2022; 24:30. [PMID: 35915595 PMCID: PMC9330978 DOI: 10.1007/s10676-022-09659-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 07/06/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
We conducted a systematic literature review on the ethical considerations of the use of contact tracing app technology, which was extensively implemented during the COVID-19 pandemic. The rapid and extensive use of this technology during the COVID-19 pandemic, while benefiting the public well-being by providing information about people's mobility and movements to control the spread of the virus, raised several ethical concerns for the post-COVID-19 era. To investigate these concerns for the post-pandemic situation and provide direction for future events, we analyzed the current ethical frameworks, research, and case studies about the ethical usage of tracing app technology. The results suggest there are seven essential ethical considerations-privacy, security, acceptability, government surveillance, transparency, justice, and voluntariness-in the ethical use of contact tracing technology. In this paper, we explain and discuss these considerations and how they are needed for the ethical usage of this technology. The findings also highlight the importance of developing integrated guidelines and frameworks for implementation of such technology in the post- COVID-19 world. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s10676-022-09659-6.
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Affiliation(s)
- Saleh Afroogh
- Department of Philosophy, The State University of New York at Albany, Albany, NY 12203 USA
| | - Amir Esmalian
- UrbanResilience.AI Lab, Zachry Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX 77840 USA
| | - Ali Mostafavi
- UrbanResilience.AI Lab, Zachry Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX 77840 USA
| | - Ali Akbari
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX 77840 USA
| | | | - Shahriar Esmaeili
- Department of Physics and Astronomy, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX 77843 USA
| | - Ehsan Hajiramezanali
- Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX USA
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Adamson JP, Smith C, Pacchiarini N, Connor TR, Wallsgrove J, Coles I, Frost C, Edwards A, Sinha J, Moore C, Perrett S, Craddock C, Sawyer C, Waldram A, Barrasa A, Thomas DR, Daniels P, Lewis H. A large outbreak of COVID-19 in a UK prison, October 2020 to April 2021. Epidemiol Infect 2022; 150:e134. [PMID: 35634739 PMCID: PMC9304949 DOI: 10.1017/s0950268822000991] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/27/2022] [Revised: 05/05/2022] [Accepted: 05/22/2022] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Prisons are susceptible to outbreaks. Control measures focusing on isolation and cohorting negatively affect wellbeing. We present an outbreak of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) in a large male prison in Wales, UK, October 2020 to April 2021, and discuss control measures.We gathered case-information, including demographics, staff-residence postcode, resident cell number, work areas/dates, test results, staff interview dates/notes and resident prison-transfer dates. Epidemiological curves were mapped by prison location. Control measures included isolation (exclusion from work or cell-isolation), cohorting (new admissions and work-area groups), asymptomatic testing (case-finding), removal of communal dining and movement restrictions. Facemask use and enhanced hygiene were already in place. Whole-genome sequencing (WGS) and interviews determined the genetic relationship between cases plausibility of transmission.Of 453 cases, 53% (n = 242) were staff, most aged 25-34 years (11.5% females, 27.15% males) and symptomatic (64%). Crude attack-rate was higher in staff (29%, 95% CI 26-64%) than in residents (12%, 95% CI 9-15%).Whole-genome sequencing can help differentiate multiple introductions from person-to-person transmission in prisons. It should be introduced alongside asymptomatic testing as soon as possible to control prison outbreaks. Timely epidemiological investigation, including data visualisation, allowed dynamic risk assessment and proportionate control measures, minimising the reduction in resident welfare.
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Affiliation(s)
- James P. Adamson
- Centre for Disease Surveillance and Control, Public Health Wales, Cardiff, Wales, UK
- UK Field Epidemiology Training Programme, UK Health Security Agency, London, UK
| | | | | | - Thomas Richard Connor
- Pathogen Genomics Unit, Public Health Wales, Cardiff, Wales, UK
- Cardiff University School of Biosciences, Cardiff University, Cardiff, Wales, UK
| | | | | | | | | | - Jaisi Sinha
- Microbiology, Public Health Wales, Cardiff, Wales, UK
| | | | - Steph Perrett
- Health Protection Division, Public Health Wales, Cardiff, Wales, UK
| | | | - Clare Sawyer
- Centre for Disease Surveillance and Control, Public Health Wales, Cardiff, Wales, UK
- UK Field Epidemiology Training Programme, UK Health Security Agency, London, UK
| | - Alison Waldram
- UK Field Epidemiology Training Programme, UK Health Security Agency, London, UK
| | - Alicia Barrasa
- UK Field Epidemiology Training Programme, UK Health Security Agency, London, UK
| | - Daniel Rh. Thomas
- Centre for Disease Surveillance and Control, Public Health Wales, Cardiff, Wales, UK
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Esposito M, Salerno M, Di Nunno N, Ministeri F, Liberto A, Sessa F. The Risk of COVID-19 Infection in Prisons and Prevention Strategies: A Systematic Review and a New Strategic Protocol of Prevention. Healthcare (Basel) 2022; 10:270. [PMID: 35206884 PMCID: PMC8872582 DOI: 10.3390/healthcare10020270] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/02/2022] [Revised: 01/25/2022] [Accepted: 01/28/2022] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Health risks within prisons are well known and have worsened with the 2019 coronavirus pandemic (COVID-19), becoming a public health emergency. To date, there are more than 10 million inmates in the world; in most cases, conditions are bad and health care is scarce. A SARS-CoV-2 outbreak inside a prison is extremely rapid. The aim of this systematic review was to analyze all possible prevention techniques to reduce the risk of COVID-19 related infection within prisons. A systematic review of the literature was performed according to the PRISMA guidelines. Scopus, Web of Science, PubMed, and Google Scholar were used as search engines from 1 January 2020 to 1 November 2021 to evaluate the prevention of COVID-19 in prisoners. A total of 1757 articles were collected. Of them, 486 duplicates were removed. A total of 1250 articles did not meet the inclusion criteria. In conclusion, 21 articles were included in the present systematic review. From this analysis, it emerged that the most common COVID-19 prevention methods were the screening of the entire population (prisoners and workers) inside the prison through swab analysis and the reduction in overcrowding in prisons. Few studies concerned the prevention of COVID-19 infection through vaccination and the implementation of quarantine. To our knowledge, this is the first systematic review that evaluates the prevention of COVID-19 within jails and the real effectiveness of all possible methods used and published in the literature. Finally, a very useful strategic protocol is provided to reduce the incidence of infection and to control and manage COVID-19 in prisons.
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Affiliation(s)
- Massimiliano Esposito
- Department of Medical, Surgical and Advanced Technologies “G.F. Ingrassia”, University of Catania, 95121 Catania, Italy; (M.E.); (M.S.); (F.M.); (A.L.)
| | - Monica Salerno
- Department of Medical, Surgical and Advanced Technologies “G.F. Ingrassia”, University of Catania, 95121 Catania, Italy; (M.E.); (M.S.); (F.M.); (A.L.)
| | - Nunzio Di Nunno
- Department of History, Society and Studies on Humanity, University of Salento, 73100 Lecce, Italy;
| | - Federica Ministeri
- Department of Medical, Surgical and Advanced Technologies “G.F. Ingrassia”, University of Catania, 95121 Catania, Italy; (M.E.); (M.S.); (F.M.); (A.L.)
| | - Aldo Liberto
- Department of Medical, Surgical and Advanced Technologies “G.F. Ingrassia”, University of Catania, 95121 Catania, Italy; (M.E.); (M.S.); (F.M.); (A.L.)
| | - Francesco Sessa
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Foggia, 71122 Foggia, Italy
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Giuliani R, Cairone C, Tavoschi L, Ciaffi L, Sebastiani T, Bartolotti R, Mancini S, Cremonini L, Ranieri R. COVID-19 outbreak investigation and response in a penitentiary setting: the experience of a prison in Italy, February to April 2020. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2021; 26. [PMID: 34558404 PMCID: PMC8462032 DOI: 10.2807/1560-7917.es.2021.26.38.2001385] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
Prisons are high-risk settings for COVID-19 and present specific challenges for prevention and control. We describe a COVID-19 outbreak in a large prison in Milan between 20 February and 30 April 2020. We performed a retrospective analysis of routine data collected during the COVID-19 emergency in prison. We analysed the spatial distribution of cases and calculated global and specific attack rates (AR). We assessed prevention and control measures. By 30 April 2020, 57 confirmed COVID-19 cases and 66 clinically probable cases were recorded among a population of 1,480. Global AR was 8.3%. The index case was a custodial officer. Two clusters were detected among custodial staff and healthcare workers. On 31 March, a confirmed case was identified among detained individuals. COVID-19 spread by physical proximity or among subgroups with cultural affinity, resulting in a cluster of 22 confirmed cases. Following index case identification, specific measures were taken including creation of a multidisciplinary task-force, increasing diagnostic capacity, contact tracing and dedicated isolation areas. Expanded use of personal protective equipment, environmental disinfection and health promotion activities were also implemented. Outbreaks of COVID-19 in prison require heightened attention and stringent comprehensive measures.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ruggero Giuliani
- Prison Health Unit, Azienda Socio-Sanitaria Territoriale Santi Paolo Carlo, Milan, Italy.,Infectious Diseases Service, Penitentiary Health System, Azienda Socio-Sanitaria Territoriale Santi Paolo e Carlo, Milan, Italy
| | - Cristina Cairone
- Prison Health Unit, Azienda Socio-Sanitaria Territoriale Santi Paolo Carlo, Milan, Italy
| | - Lara Tavoschi
- Department of Translational Research and New Technologies in Medicine and Surgery, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
| | - Laura Ciaffi
- Médecins Sans Frontières Operational Centre Brussels, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Teresa Sebastiani
- Infectious Diseases Service, Penitentiary Health System, Azienda Socio-Sanitaria Territoriale Santi Paolo e Carlo, Milan, Italy
| | - Raffaella Bartolotti
- Prison Health Unit, Azienda Socio-Sanitaria Territoriale Santi Paolo Carlo, Milan, Italy
| | | | - Laura Cremonini
- Médecins Sans Frontières Operational Centre Brussels, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Roberto Ranieri
- Welfare General Directorate, Lombardia Regional Health Authority, Milan, Italy.,Infectious Diseases Service, Penitentiary Health System, Azienda Socio-Sanitaria Territoriale Santi Paolo e Carlo, Milan, Italy
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Stufano A, Buonvino N, Cagnazzo F, Armenise N, Pontrelli D, Curzio G, De Benedictis L, Lovreglio P. Efficacy of the Measures Adopted to Prevent COVID-19 Outbreaks in an Italian Correctional Facility for Inmates Affected by Chronic Diseases. Front Public Health 2021; 9:694795. [PMID: 34307287 PMCID: PMC8292769 DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2021.694795] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/13/2021] [Accepted: 06/01/2021] [Indexed: 11/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: COVID-19 outbreaks in prisons and jails may affect both inmates and correctional workers. An observational study has been performed to investigate the efficacy of specific procedures and of a serial testing approach adopted for the COVID-19 prevention in an Italian correctional facility (Bari, Apulia) for inmates affected by chronic diseases. Methods: Two SARS-CoV-2 antigen testing campaigns were carried out for all the prisoners and correctional workers, including correctional officers (CO), administrative staff (AS), correctional health care workers (HCW), and operators working with people completing their sentence outside the prison (OOP). Antigen testing was conducted on nasopharyngeal swab specimens, using a fluorescence immunoassay for the qualitative detection of nucleocapsid SARS-CoV-2 antigen. All subjects positive to the antigen test underwent confirmation by rRT-PCR test. Results: In total, 426 new and residential inmates were tested during the first campaign and 480 during the second campaign. Only two new inmates resulted positive at the first campaign, while no positive cases were observed at the second campaign or outside of the testing campaigns. In total, 367 correctional workers were tested at the first campaign and 325 at the second. At the first, 4 CO and 2 HCW showed positive test results, while no new positive cases were observed at the second. Moreover, 1 CO and 1 HCW resulted positive outside of the testing campaigns for the onset of symptoms while at home. Conclusion: The implementation of a full risk management plan in a correctional facility, including both a strict protocol for the application of preventive measures and a serial testing approach, seems to be able to prevent COVID-19 outbreaks in both inmates and correctional workers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Angela Stufano
- Interdisciplinary Department of Medicine - Section of Occupational Medicine, University of Bari, Bari, Italy
| | - Nicola Buonvino
- U.O.C. Penitentiary Medicine - Department of Territorial Care, Bari Local Health Authority, Bari, Italy
| | - Francesco Cagnazzo
- Interdisciplinary Department of Medicine - Section of Occupational Medicine, University of Bari, Bari, Italy
| | - Nicola Armenise
- U.O.C. Penitentiary Medicine - Department of Territorial Care, Bari Local Health Authority, Bari, Italy
| | - Daniela Pontrelli
- U.O.C. Penitentiary Medicine - Department of Territorial Care, Bari Local Health Authority, Bari, Italy
| | - Giovanna Curzio
- U.O.C. Penitentiary Medicine - Department of Territorial Care, Bari Local Health Authority, Bari, Italy
| | - Leonarda De Benedictis
- Interdisciplinary Department of Medicine - Section of Occupational Medicine, University of Bari, Bari, Italy
| | - Piero Lovreglio
- Interdisciplinary Department of Medicine - Section of Occupational Medicine, University of Bari, Bari, Italy
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Kahambing JG. Philippine prisons and 'extreme vulnerability' during COVID-19. J Public Health (Oxf) 2021; 43:e285-e286. [PMID: 33454772 PMCID: PMC7928820 DOI: 10.1093/pubmed/fdaa259] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/07/2020] [Revised: 12/07/2020] [Accepted: 12/13/2020] [Indexed: 02/02/2023] Open
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11
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Arambulo HKM, Sahagun CT, Biana HT. COVID-19: back to healthcare basics in Philippine prisons. J Public Health (Oxf) 2021; 43:e342-e343. [PMID: 33683323 PMCID: PMC7989501 DOI: 10.1093/pubmed/fdab056] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/12/2021] [Revised: 02/12/2021] [Accepted: 02/15/2021] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Prisons have not escaped the effects of COVID-19. In countries where there are limited resources and spaces available, there is a need to find innovative ways to keep detainees safe and healthy. We can see various approaches such as the Irish model, which gives due importance to the establishment of contact tracing teams (CTT). In the case of Philippine prisons with high congestion rates, however, we may have to go back to certain healthcare basics to address COVID-19 transmissions.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Hazel T Biana
- Philosophy Department, De La Salle University, Manila 0922, Philippines
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