Seidl Cornelia, Coyer Liza, Ackermann Nikolaus, Katz Katharina, Walter Jan, Ippisch Siegfried, Hoch Martin, Böhmer Merle M
Infectious Disease Epidemiology and Surveillance Unit, Bavarian Health and Food Safety Authority, 80636 Munich, Germany.
Postgraduate Training in Applied Epidemiology (PAE), Department of Infectious Epidemiology, Robert Koch Institute, 13353 Berlin, Germany.
Pathogens. 2023 Feb 20;12(2):354. doi: 10.3390/pathogens12020354.
The highly transmissible SARS-CoV-2-variant B.1.1.529 (Omicron) first appeared in South Africa in November 2021. In order to study Omicron entry to Germany, its occurrence related to incoming airline travel, symptomatology and compliance with entry regulations and recommendations, we conducted a cross-sectional study, followed by a retrospective cohort study among passengers and crew on 19 direct flights from Cape Town, South Africa, to Munich, Germany, between 26 November and 23 December 2021. Travelers were mandatorily PCR-tested on arrival and invited to complete an online questionnaire. SARS-CoV-2-prevalence on arrival was 3.3% (n = 90/2728), and 93% were Omicron. Of the passengers, 528 (19%) completed the questionnaire. Among participants who tested negative on arrival, self-reported SARS-CoV-2-incidence was 4.3% within 14 days, of whom 74% reported a negative PCR-test ≤ 48 h before boarding, 77% were fully vaccinated, and 90% reported wearing an FFP2/medical mask during flight. We found multiple associations between risk factors and infection on and after arrival, among which having a positive-tested travel partner was the most noteworthy. In conclusion, PCR testing before departure was insufficient to control the introduction of the Omicron variant. Additional measures (e.g., frequent testing, quarantine after arrival or travel ban) should be considered to delay virus introduction in such settings.
高传染性的严重急性呼吸综合征冠状病毒2变种B.1.1.529（奥密克戎）于2021年11月首次在南非出现。为了研究奥密克戎毒株进入德国的情况、其与入境航空旅行的相关性、症状表现以及对入境规定和建议的遵守情况，我们开展了一项横断面研究，随后对2021年11月26日至12月23日期间从南非开普敦直飞德国慕尼黑的19趟航班上的乘客和机组人员进行了一项回顾性队列研究。旅行者在抵达时必须接受聚合酶链反应（PCR）检测，并被邀请完成一份在线问卷。抵达时的严重急性呼吸综合征冠状病毒2流行率为3.3%（n = 90/2728），其中93%为奥密克戎毒株。在乘客中，528人（19%）完成了问卷。在抵达时检测呈阴性的参与者中，自我报告的14天内严重急性呼吸综合征冠状病毒2发病率为4.3%，其中74%报告在登机前≤48小时的PCR检测呈阴性，77%已完全接种疫苗，90%报告在飞行期间佩戴FFP2/医用口罩。我们发现风险因素与抵达时及抵达后的感染之间存在多种关联，其中旅行伙伴检测呈阳性是最值得注意的。总之，出发前的PCR检测不足以控制奥密克戎变种的传入。应考虑采取其他措施（如频繁检测、抵达后隔离或旅行禁令），以延缓此类情况下病毒的传入。
