A California hospital is facing a significant COVID-19 outbreak that has affected at least 44 emergency room personnel, resulting in one fatality. A potential source under consideration is a festive inflatable Christmas tree costume that was worn in the emergency room during the holiday season.
As reported by a local news outlet, a staff member at the Kaiser Permanente San Jose Medical Center donned the costume while asymptomatic but infected with the virus. The costume, which featured a fan, may have aerosolized respiratory droplets throughout the room on Christmas Day. Described as a whimsical Christmas tree with a red nose and large eyes, the costume aimed to bring holiday cheer.
A reporter from NBC Bay Area shared an image of the costume on social media, highlighting its role in the outbreak. Following the employee’s appearance in the costume, several staff members began testing positive for COVID-19 on December 27. While the hospital has not confirmed if any patients were infected, they have prohibited air-powered costumes within the facility.
Tragically, one emergency room staff member has passed away due to the outbreak. The hospital has indicated that while the precise origin of the outbreak is still under investigation, the costume is a likely contributor. A spokesperson emphasized that any exposure was unintentional, as the employee was simply trying to uplift spirits during a challenging time.
In response to the situation, the emergency department will undergo thorough cleaning, and all staff members will be offered free weekly testing. Santa Clara County, where the medical center is located, is currently facing a high number of COVID-19 hospitalizations and limited ICU bed availability.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention notes that the virus primarily spreads through respiratory droplets and can sometimes be transmitted via airborne methods. The fan in the costume may have facilitated the spread of these droplets further than they typically would travel.
“We are also moving quickly to test all emergency department employees and physicians for COVID-19,” the spokesperson continued. “Staff members confirmed or suspected to have COVID-19 will be required to stay home.”
As information regarding COVID-19 continues to evolve rapidly, it’s essential to stay informed through reputable sources, including local public health departments and the World Health Organization.
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Summary:
An inflatable Christmas tree costume worn by a hospital employee may have contributed to a COVID-19 outbreak among 44 emergency room workers in California, resulting in one death. The costume, which was powered by a fan, is being investigated as a source of the virus’s spread. The hospital is taking measures to test staff and prevent further transmission.
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