CDC-sponsored epidemiology conference confirmed as super-spreader event

Herek Clack

The CDC has acknowledged that it is investigating its recent Epidemiology Intelligence Service conference as a potential COVID super-spreader event.  Nearly 200 in-person attendees at the conference reported testing positive for COVID in a post-conference survey, after several attendees informed conference organizers of positive COVID test results on the last day of the conference.  Fortunately, there were no hospitalizations or deaths reported.  

Notable among the post-conference survey results:

  • > 99% of respondents reported having received at least one vaccine dose
  • 70% of respondents reported not wearing a mask during the conference

This outcome underscores the need for individuals to evaluate their own risk tolerance when considering joining large gatherings of people, particularly in light of decreased reporting of COVID cases to public health officials and the impact on the accuracy of COVID community levels.