Investigation of COVID-19 Outbreak among Wildland Firefighters during Wildfire Response,Colorado, USA, 2020 |
| |
| Authors: | Amanda Reiff Metz Matthew Bauer Chelsey Epperly Ginger Stringer Kristen E. Marshall Lindsey Martin Webb Molly Hetherington-Rauth Shannon R. Matzinger Sarah Elizabeth Totten Emily A. Travanty Kristen M. Good Alexis Burakoff |
| |
| Affiliation: | Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment, Denver, Colorado, USA (A.R. Metz, C. Epperly, G. Stringer, K.E. Marshall, L.M. Webb, M. Hetherington-Rauth, S.R. Matzinger, S.E. Totten, E.A. Travanty, K.M. Good, A. Burakoff);Larimer County Department of Health and Environment, Fort Collins, Colorado, USA (M. Bauer);Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, Georgia, USA (K.E. Marshall) |
| |
| Abstract: | A COVID-19 outbreak occurred among Cameron Peak Fire responders in Colorado, USA, during August 2020–January 2021. The Cameron Peak Fire was the largest recorded wildfire in Colorado history, lasting August–December 2020. At least 6,123 responders were involved, including 1,260 firefighters in 63 crews who mobilized to the fire camps. A total of 79 COVID-19 cases were identified among responders, and 273 close contacts were quarantined. State and local public health investigated the outbreak and coordinated with wildfire management teams to prevent disease spread. We performed whole-genome sequencing and applied social network analysis to visualize clusters and transmission dynamics. Phylogenetic analysis identified 8 lineages among sequenced specimens, implying multiple introductions. Social network analysis identified spread between and within crews. Strategies such as implementing symptom screening and testing of arriving responders, educating responders about overlapping symptoms of smoke inhalation and COVID-19, improving physical distancing of crews, and encouraging vaccinations are recommended. |
| |
| Keywords: | COVID-19 SARS-CoV-2 public health disease outbreaks whole-genome sequencing social network analysis phylogeny firefighters Colorado physical distancing fires wildfire coronavirus disease severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 viruses respiratory infections zoonoses |
|
|
