Introduction:

In December 2019, COVID-19, disease caused by the new coronavirus- severe acute respiratory syndrome 2, was reported for the first time in China. In Portugal, the first two cases were flagged on 2nd of March 2020. On the 11nd of March, World Health Organization declared the disease as a global pandemic. This study outlines the COVID-19 confirmed cases, contributing for the establishment of more efficient prevention measures.

Methods:

An observational study including all health professionals from a Central Hospital with a positive case between the 2nd of March 2020 and the 31st of December 2020 was carried out. The data obtained was processed and analyzed using the Microsoft Excel software.

Results:

723 professionals were infected and a peak of cases was verified in March and December. The frequency on cases was higher in females (76%) and professionals up to 45 years old. The highest number of cases occurred amongst nurses and the most affected medical departments were internal medicine, emergency, infectious diseases and surgery. The majority of cases were symptomatic at the time of diagnosis. Out of the full sample, five professionals required hospitalization and one of which died.

Discussion and conclusions:

Accordingly to this study, the frequency of COVID-19 cases amongst health professionals seems to be considerably higher than the general population. The results seem to suggest that the implementation of period testing protocols over health professionals, above all in services with higher risk of infection or/and more vulnerable patients, might be beneficial, whilst contributing for the control of asymptomatic cases and hence breaking potential transmission chains.

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