This article describes an outbreak of COVID-19 in a long-term care facility (LTCF) in West Virginia that was the epicenter of the state’s pandemic. Beginning with the index case, we describe the sequential order of procedures undertaken by the facility including testing, infection control, treatment, and communication with facility residents, staff, and family members. We also describe the lessons learned during the process and provide recommendations for handling an outbreak at other LTCFs.
CDC COVID Response Team. (2020). Severe outcomes among patients with coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19)—United States, February 12–March 16, 2020. Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report, 69(12), 343–346.
2.
McMichaelT. M. (2020). COVID-19 in a long-term care facility—King County, Washington, February 27–March 9, 2020. Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report, 69, 339–342.
3.
NishiuraH.KamiyaK. (2011). Fever screening during the influenza (H1N1-2009) pandemic at Narita International Airport, Japan. BMC Infectious Diseases, 11, Article 111.
4.
OuslanderJ. (2020). Coronavirus-19 in geriatrics and long-term care: An update. Journal of the American Geriatrics Society, 68(5), 10–1111.
5.
ShahidZ.KalayanamitraR.McClaffertyB.KepkoD.RamgobinD.PatelR.AggarwalC. S.VunnamR.SahuN.BhattD.JonesK.GolamariR.JainR. (2020). COVID-19 and older adults: What we know. Journal of the American Geriatrics Society, 68(5), 926–929.
6.
World Health Organization. (2020). Infection prevention and control guidance for long-term care facilities in the context of COVID-19: Interim guidance, 21 March 2020.