A coronavirus outbreak at a Kentucky nursing home has been linked to an unvaccinated worker at the facility.
According to a study by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 46 COVID-19 cases were detected of which 26 were residents and 20 were staff members.
Of the 20 workers who got infected, 16 had not been vaccinated. As far as the residents, eight individuals who contracted the virus had not been vaccinated.
The majority of the vaccinated individuals who contracted the virus did not experience symptoms or require hospitalization, the CDC said.
In the nursing home, 90% of the 83 residents were vaccinated, while only slightly more than half of the 116 staff members had chosen to get vaccinated, reported People.
One resident who had been vaccinated, and previously had coronavirus, was reinfected and died during the outbreak. In addition, two unvaccinated residents who contracted COVID-19 also died.
The virus was set off by a single unvaccinated worker who was symptomatic, said the CDC.
The CDC study “underscores the importance” of getting vaccinated, the authors wrote.
"To protect skilled nursing facility residents, it is imperative that health care providers, as well as skilled nursing facility residents, be vaccinated."
The study also pointed out how the hesitancy of nursing home staff to get vaccinated has been a nationwide challenge.
"Low acceptance of vaccination among [nursing home staff] might increase the likelihood of SARS-CoV-2 introduction and transmission within a facility," the researchers added.
"Compared with unvaccinated persons, vaccinated persons had reduced risk for SARS-CoV-2 infection and symptomatic COVID-19. A continued emphasis on vaccination of skilled nursing facility populations, including health care providers, is essential to reduce the risk for SARS-CoV-2 introduction, transmission, and severe outcomes in skilled nursing facilities."
LISTEN on the Audacy App
Sign Up and Follow Audacy
Facebook | Twitter | Instagram
