Increased Incidence of Blood and Body Fluid Exposure and Lack of Transmission Evidence During COVID-19 Pandemic

Abstract

Background: Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has been associated with various risks, including the exposure of infectious agents. Objectives: The study aims at describing the incidence of blood and body fluid (BBF) exposure in a COVID-19 facility so as viral transmission potential through blood. Methods: A descriptive study of BBF exposure notified was carried out in a community hospital in Qatar. Results: In 2020, 29 needlesticks injuries were reported, which is a significant increase compared to the year 2019 (6 incidents) and 2018 (5 incidents). No evidence of SARS-CoV-2 transmission was shown concerning the injury using symptoms monitoring and lab test. Conclusion: The increased risk of BBF exposure during the pandemic provides insight into the need to review the prevention practices of occupational exposure during pandemics. Additional studies are required to define the risk of COVID-19 related to occupational exposure to BBF.