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

Abstract

Background 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. Aims 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). Methods 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. Results 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. Conclusions 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.