Top 5 Takeaways

1. Delta Variant Predominance: The highly transmissible Delta variant became the predominant SARS-CoV-2 lineage in Louisiana starting the week of June 20, 2021.
2. Significant Increase in Outbreaks: There were 28 camp outbreaks with 321 COVID-19 cases among approximately 2,988 campers and staff, a thirty-one-fold increase compared to the same period in 2020.
3. Vaccination and Masking: Very few campers were fully vaccinated, and only one camp mandated indoor masking, highlighting underutilization of preventive measures.
4. Peak Outbreak Period: The number of outbreaks and cases peaked during the week of July 4, with nine outbreaks and 118 cases reported.
5. Recommendations Reinforced: LDH reinforced recommendations for vaccination, masking, cohorting, and added a new recommendation for testing all close contacts of confirmed COVID-19 cases.

Original Article Author and Citation

Corresponding Author

Julius L. Tonzel, Julius.tonzel@la.gov

Suggested Citation

Tonzel JL, Sokol T. COVID-19 Outbreaks at Youth Summer Camps — Louisiana, June–July 2021. MMWR Morb Mortal Wkly Rep 2021;70:1425–1426. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.15585/mmwr.mm7040e2

Summary

This report describes the COVID-19 outbreaks in Louisiana youth summer camps during June–July 2021, coinciding with the predominance of the Delta variant. A total of 28 outbreaks were identified, involving 321 cases among campers and staff. The report highlights the significant increase in outbreaks compared to the previous year and underscores the underutilization of preventive measures such as vaccination and masking.

Methods

The Louisiana Department of Health (LDH) used camp reports and contact tracing data to identify COVID-19 outbreaks in youth summer camps. The data included information on the number of cases, vaccination status, and preventive measures implemented at the camps.

Discussion

The increased number of outbreaks and cases in 2021 compared to 2020 is attributed to the widespread circulation of the Delta variant and the apparent underutilization of preventive measures. The report emphasizes the importance of multicomponent prevention strategies, including vaccination, masking, physical distancing, and cohorting, to prevent the transmission of SARS-CoV-2 in settings with unvaccinated youths.

Conclusion

The findings highlight the need for comprehensive preventive measures in youth camp settings to mitigate the spread of COVID-19. LDH reinforced its recommendations for vaccination, masking, and cohorting, and introduced a new recommendation for testing all close contacts of confirmed cases.

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