Management of a Nosocomial COVID-19 Outbreak at Costa Rica’s National Geriatrics and Gerontology Hospital, July 2024

Abstract

COVID-19 outbreaks in geriatric units pose high risk due to clinical vulnerability and the potential for in-hospital transmission.
Objective: To describe the institutional response to an outbreak that occurred in the East Wing, First Floor, in July 2024; to assess its containment; and to clinically characterize confirmed cases, with emphasis on the nursing role. Materials and Methods: Descriptive, retrospective study based on review of clinical records and institutional epidemiology reports from July 5–16, 2024. Included were inpatients with nosocomial SARS-CoV-2 infection and staff members with a confirmed diagnosis.
Results: Twenty-three cases were identified (15 patients and 8 staff); all had mild disease, and no deaths occurred. Mean age was 64 years. The attack rate among hospitalized patients was 41%. Containment was achieved within 8 days through timely isolation of cases, contact tracing and follow-up, temporary suspension of visits, staff training and education (proper PPE use and refraining from working when symptomatic), and enhanced cleaning and disinfection verified with an ATP luminometer. The nursing team led environmental assessment, intervention planning, clinical surveillance, and compliance monitoring. Conclusions: Prompt, coordinated infection prevention and control with nursing leadership, enabled effective containment of a nosocomial COVID-19 outbreak in a geriatric unit, preventing complications and deaths.