SARS-CoV-2 outbreaks in long-term care facilities in Argentina: a national observational study

Abstract

INTRODUCTION: The impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the long-term care facility (LTCF) sector and its resident population was particularly severe, especially due to SARS-CoV-2 outbreaks. The aim of the study was to describe the evolution of SARS-CoV-2 outbreaks occurring in LTCFs nationwide in 2020 and 2021, characterize the affected population and analyze possible differences between pre- and post-COVID-19 vaccination. METHODS: A retrospective, observational study was designed, using data from the National Health Surveillance System (SNVS 2.0) and the Nominalized Federal Vaccination Registry (NOMIVAC) as well as the National Institute of Social Services for Retirees and Pensioners’ (INSSJP-PAMI) own database. RESULTS: Of the 493 outbreaks that occurred between April 2020 and December 2021, 363 (and 5643 cases in outbreak context) were reported in the pre-vaccination period and 130 (and 1378 cases) in the post-vaccination period. Incidence (34.1%), case fatality (20.7%) and mortality (7.1%) rates were higher in the pre- than in the postvaccination period (25.2%, 3.9% and 1%, respectively). DISCUSSION: These results suggest that the COVID-19 prevention and control policies implemented by the INSSJP-PAMI for the LTCF sector reduced the impact of the pandemic on a vulnerable and at-risk population.