Epidemiologically Linked COVID-19 Outbreaks at a Youth Camp and Men’s Conference — Illinois, June–July 2021

Abstract

What is already known about this topic? The Illinois Department of Public Health investigated COVID-19 outbreaks at two events sponsored by the same organization: a 5-day overnight church camp for persons aged 14-18 years and a 2-day men's conference. What is added by this report? Neither COVID-19 vaccination nor COVID-19 testing was required before either event. Among 122 primary cases, 104 (85%) were in persons who were not fully vaccinated, and 18 (15%) were in fully vaccinated persons. Eight of 38 (21%) close contacts of the 18 fully vaccinated persons subsequently became infected with SARS-CoV-2. No vaccinated persons with COVID-19 were hospitalized. What are the implications for public health practice? This investigation underscores the impact of secondary SARS-CoV-2 transmission during large events such as camps and conferences when COVID-19 prevention strategies, including vaccination, masking, physical distancing, and screening testing, are not implemented.