A Cluster of COVID-19 Among the Staff of a Logistics Company at Pudong International Airport after Exposure to Virus-contaminated Foreign Aircraft Cabins

Abstract Background: Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) caused a severe burden worldwide. “Environment to human” transmission by non-cold chain is causing alarm and attention. Methods: Epidemiological information of the COVID-19 cases were collected to determine epidemiological links and analyze transmission chains. Respiratory specimens were collected and tested for SARS-CoV-2 nucleic acid by rRT-PCR assay. Results: A total of five cases were diagnosed in Pudong New Area during November 20 to 22, 2020. Case 1, 3 and 5 worked for the same logistics company at Pudong International Airport, and had close contact with each other during work. Case 2 is the wife of case 1, case 4 is the wife of case 3. The source of infection was exposure to virus-contaminated foreign aircraft cabins, the virus transmitted among colleagues of a logistics company due to close contacts without effective protection, and then led to intra-household transmissions. The epidemic has been rapidly brought under control, and all the five cases recovered after 13 to 42 day’s treatment.Conclusions: Regular surveillance and testing of high-risk groups were necessary for COVID-19 control and prevention. Strict management measures and disinfection of imported goods were still need to be implemented in view of severe foreign epidemic situation.