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Empirical evidence on the efficiency of backward contact tracing in COVID-19

Author

Listed:
  • Joren Raymenants

    (KU Leuven, Laboratory of Clinical Microbiology
    Algemene Interne Geneeskunde, UZ Leuven)

  • Caspar Geenen

    (KU Leuven, Laboratory of Clinical Microbiology)

  • Jonathan Thibaut

    (KU Leuven, Laboratory of Clinical Microbiology)

  • Klaas Nelissen

    (KU Leuven, Laboratory of Clinical Microbiology)

  • Sarah Gorissen

    (KU Leuven, Laboratory of Clinical Microbiology)

  • Emmanuel Andre

    (KU Leuven, Laboratory of Clinical Microbiology
    Laboratoriumgeneeskunde, UZ Leuven)

Abstract

Standard contact tracing practice for COVID-19 is to identify persons exposed to an infected person during the contagious period, assumed to start two days before symptom onset or diagnosis. In the first large cohort study on backward contact tracing for COVID-19, we extended the contact tracing window by 5 days, aiming to identify the source of the infection and persons infected by the same source. The risk of infection amongst these additional contacts was similar to contacts exposed during the standard tracing window and significantly higher than symptomatic individuals in a control group, leading to 42% more cases identified as direct contacts of an index case. Compared to standard practice, backward traced contacts required fewer tests and shorter quarantine. However, they were identified later in their infectious cycle if infected. Our results support implementing backward contact tracing when rigorous suppression of viral transmission is warranted.

Suggested Citation

  • Joren Raymenants & Caspar Geenen & Jonathan Thibaut & Klaas Nelissen & Sarah Gorissen & Emmanuel Andre, 2022. "Empirical evidence on the efficiency of backward contact tracing in COVID-19," Nature Communications, Nature, vol. 13(1), pages 1-13, December.
    • Handle: RePEc:nat:natcom:v:13:y:2022:i:1:d:10.1038_s41467-022-32531-6
    DOI: 10.1038/s41467-022-32531-6
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    References listed on IDEAS

    as
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    Cited by:

    1. Caspar Geenen & Joren Raymenants & Sarah Gorissen & Jonathan Thibaut & Jodie McVernon & Natalie Lorent & Emmanuel André, 2023. "Individual level analysis of digital proximity tracing for COVID-19 in Belgium highlights major bottlenecks," Nature Communications, Nature, vol. 14(1), pages 1-12, December.

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