CDC: COVID-19 outbreak in college students after spring break trip to Mexico

Editor's Note

Transmission of COVID-19 during and after a college spring break trip to Cabo San Lucas, Mexico, (March 14-19) by University of Texas at Austin students led to 64 cases, including 60 of 183 travelers, 1 of 13 household contacts, and 3 of 35 community contacts, according to the June 24 Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report.

On March 27, the first student tested positive for COVID-19. On March 28, two more symptomatic students had positive results. This alerted the COVID-19 Center at the University to a potential outbreak, and an investigation was initiated the same day with contact tracing.

Approximately one-fifth of those with positive COVID-19 tests were asymptomatic, none needed hospitalization, and none died.

A coordinated response with contact tracing and testing of all contacts, including asymptomatic, is important in controlling COVID-19 outbreaks that might occur as schools and universities consider reopening, the researchers say.