Characteristics of Health Care Personnel with COVID-19 — United States, February 12–April 9, 2020

Weekly / April 17, 2020 / 69(15);477–481

On April 14, 2020, this report was posted online as an MMWR Early Release.

CDC COVID-19 Response Team

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Summary

What is already known about this topic?

Limited information is available about COVID-19 infections among U.S. health care personnel (HCP).

What is added by this report?

Of 9,282 U.S. COVID-19 cases reported among HCP, median age was 42 years, and 73% were female, reflecting these distributions among the HCP workforce. HCP patients reported contact with COVID-19 patients in health care, household, and community settings. Most HCP patients were not hospitalized; however, severe outcomes, including death, were reported among all age groups.

What are the implications for public health practice?

It is critical to ensure the health and safety of HCP, both at work and in the community. Improving surveillance through routine reporting of occupation and industry not only benefits HCP, but all workers during the COVID-19 pandemic.