SARS-CoV-2 genomic surveillance as an evidence-based infection control approach in an offshore petroleum employee population.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Industrial hygienists (IH) in the oil and gas business instituted an extraordinary number of safety protocols to limit spread of SARS-CoV-2 onto offshore platforms in the Gulf of Mexico. We used genomic surveillance to provide actionable information concerning the efficacy of their efforts.

Methods

Over 6 months, employees at a single company were serology and PCR tested during a 1-5 day predeployment quarantine and when postdeployment symptoms were reported. From each positive test (n = 49), SARS-CoV-2 genomes were sequenced. Phylogenetic analysis was used to investigate the epidemiology of transmissions.

Results

Genomic surveillance confirmed 2 viral strains were infecting 18 offshore workers. Genomic data combined with epidemiological data suggested that

SUBMITTER: Lamers SL 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC9119720 | biostudies-literature | 2022 Sep

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature