The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) hosted an in-person conference for disease detectives in April, and the aftermath has been alarming. At least 181 COVID-19 cases have been linked to the event, which was attended by roughly 1,800 people. The conference was held in a hotel conference facility in Atlanta, where the CDC’s headquarters are located. It was the first time the conference had in-person attendees since 2019, and an additional 400 people attended virtually this year.
By the last day of the event, several in-person attendees had tested positive for COVID-19, prompting conference organizers to take action to reduce the chance of further spread. However, the CDC received reports of more cases in the days that followed, and a rapid assessment team was deployed to investigate. The team surveyed attendees from May 5 to 12, and over 80 percent of respondents had attended the conference in person. Shockingly, 181 or 13 percent of the total survey takers reported testing positive for COVID-19, and 70 percent of the survey takers reported going unmasked during the gathering.
Despite the high number of cases, the CDC notes that none of the infected conference attendees were hospitalized, and nearly all of the survey takers reported having received at least one COVID-19 vaccine. The agency emphasizes that COVID-19 vaccines, antiviral treatments, and immunity from previous infection continue to provide people with protection against serious illness. However, the CDC is warning attendees of an upcoming conference in June to wear their own high-quality masks and carry COVID-19 rapid tests with them.
It’s clear that even with vaccines and precautions in place, the risk of COVID-19 transmission is still present. It’s important to stay vigilant and follow guidelines to protect ourselves and others.
The United States Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is reporting that a COVID-19 outbreak has occurred at a gathering of its Disease Detectives. 181 attendees at the gathering tested positive for the virus, indicating a need for improved protocols for virtual meetings.
The meeting, held virtually over several days, brought together nearly 800 Disease Detectives from CDC, partner organizations, and local, state, tribal, and territorial public health agencies. All participants were asked to self-monitor for symptoms and take a baseline COVID-19 test on the first day of the gathering. The CDC then conducted random testing of University attendees throughout the subsequent days.
The results of these individual tests indicated that 181 attendees had contracted COVID-19 while at the meeting. In response, CDC is implementing additional safety measures during all future virtual meetings to minimize the risk of virus transmission. The agency also advised attendees who tested positive to self-quarantine and contact their local public health department in order to stay informed of any further resources.
CDC’s response is a step in the right direction, emphasizing the need to practice safe social distancing measures even for virtual meetings. Its actions hopefully can serve as an example for other organizations, public and private, to use the same safety protocols for their own virtual meetings and gatherings.
The recent CDC gathering is another demonstration of how easily the virus can spread and how important it is to take continued health and safety precautions. To reduce the risk of transmission, organizations and individuals should follow the CDC’s coronavirus guidelines, which include wearing face masks, practicing social distancing, and staying home if feeling sick.
By using these best practices, it is possible to minimize the risk of further COVID-19 outbreaks. Let us all hope that the outcome of the CDC gathering serves as an example to all of us and we can take proactive steps to prevent the further spread of the virus.
