Serological prevalence of SARS-CoV-2 infection among prison system workers in the state of Espírito Santo, Brazil, 2020

Abstract

Objective:

To estimate the serological prevalence of SARS-CoV-2 infection among prison system workers in the state of Espírito Santo, Brazil, between August-September 2020.

Methods:

This was a stratified sample survey, using interviews and serological tests for SARS-CoV-2.

Results:

Among the 986 interviewers, the serological prevalence of SARS-CoV-2 infection was 11.9% (95%CI 8.1%;15.7%) in health professionals, and 22.1% (95%CI 18.8%;25.3%) in prison officers. Positivity was more frequent among health professionals in the north of the state (19.7%) and in male prison officers (24.0%). Among seropositive individuals, fatigue was the most frequent symptom in prison agents (13.4%) and myalgia in health professionals (10.8%); and the most prevalent comorbidities among the seropositive individuals were asthma or bronchitis (16.2%), in health professionals, and hypertension in prison officers (12.8%).

Conclusion:

The serological prevalence of SARS-Cov-2 infection was higher in prison officers, a finding that can support disease control and prevention actions in this scenario.

Keywords:
Prevalence; Coronavirus Infections; Prisons; Occupational Health; Cross-Sectional Studies.