First cases of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) in France: surveillance, investigations and control measures, January 2020

A novel coronavirus (severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2, SARS-CoV-2) causing a cluster of respiratory infections (coronavirus disease 2019, COVID-19) in Wuhan, China, was identified on 7 January 2020. The epidemic quickly disseminated from Wuhan and as at 12 February 2020, 45,179 cases have been confirmed in 25 countries, including 1,116 deaths. Strengthened surveillance was implemented in France on 10 January 2020 in order to identify imported cases early and prevent secondary transmission. Three categories of risk exposure and follow-up procedure were defined for contacts. Three cases of COVID-19 were confirmed on 24 January, the first cases in Europe. Contact tracing was immediately initiated. Five contacts were evaluated as at low risk of exposure and 18 at moderate/high risk. As at 12 February 2020, two cases have been discharged and the third one remains symptomatic with a persistent cough, and no secondary transmission has been identified. Effective collaboration between all parties involved in the surveillance and response to emerging threats is required to detect imported cases early and to implement adequate control measures.

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Notes from the Field: Effectiveness of Prevention and Control Measures for Imported COVID-19 in Guangming District of Shenzhen

Evaluation & the Health Professions ◽

10.1177/0163278720971833 ◽

2020 ◽

pp. 016327872097183

Author(s):

Xiaoliang Chen ◽

Tieqiang Wang ◽

Yang Zhao ◽

Yunjie Wu ◽

Ranran Qie ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Prevention And Control ◽

Local Community ◽

Management Strategies ◽

Screening Strategy ◽

Control Measures ◽

Imported Cases ◽

Returning To Work ◽

Prevention And Control Measures ◽

Novel Coronavirus ◽

And Control

Novel coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) was present in most provinces of China after January 2020. We implemented a surveillance and screening strategy that included early detection of laboratory-confirmed COVID-19 cases and people who were exposed to the disease in Guangming District of Shenzhen. Separate targeted treatment and management strategies were applied to confirmed and suspected cases. From January 23 to March 13, 2020, we found 12 suspected cases, and 11 were confirmed as positive. Although eight of the 11 confirmed cases were family-aggregated, they were all imported cases with common exposure, which did not further cause local community transmission, and no medical staff were infected. After February 14, when the last case was confirmed, there were no newly confirmed cases for 28 consecutive days under the strict outbreak control. The targeted and whole-society involved prevention and control measures prevented the spread of the disease in a very short time and provided a strong guarantee for the orderly recovery of returning to work and social activities.

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Containing the Spread of Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19): Meteorological Factors and Control Strategies

10.1101/2020.05.23.20111468 ◽

2020 ◽

Author(s):

Jun Lin ◽

Weihao Huang ◽

Muchen Wen ◽

Shuyi Ma ◽

Jiawen Hua ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Relative Humidity ◽

Meteorological Factors ◽

Control Strategies ◽

Mainland China ◽

Control Measures ◽

Contact Tracing ◽

Effect Of Temperature ◽

Individual Level ◽

Novel Coronavirus ◽

And Control

AbstractThe novel coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) has spread globally and the meteorological factors vary greatly across the world. Understanding the effect of meteorological factors and control strategies on COVID-19 transmission is critical to contain the epidemic. Using individual-level data in mainland China, Hong Kong, and Singapore, and the number of confirmed cases in other regions, we explore the effect of temperature, relative humidity, and control measures on the spread of COVID-19. We found that high temperature mitigates the transmission of the disease. High relative humidity promotes COVID-19 transmission when temperature is low, but tends to reduce transmission when temperature is high. Implementing classical control measures can dramatically slow the spread of the disease. However, due to the occurrence of pre-symptomatic infections, the effect of the measures to shorten onset-to-isolation time is markedly reduced and the importance of contact tracing and quarantine and social distancing increases. The analytic results also highlight the importance of early intervention to contain the spread of COVID-19.

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Analysis of Imported Cases of COVID-19 in Taiwan: A Nationwide Study

International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health ◽

10.3390/ijerph17093311 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 17 (9) ◽

pp. 3311 ◽

Cited By ~ 14

Author(s):

Jui-Yao Liu ◽

Tzeng-Ji Chen ◽

Shinn-Jang Hwang

Keyword(s):

Control Measures ◽

Contact Tracing ◽

Border Control ◽

Symptom Presentation ◽

Symptom Screening ◽

Imported Cases ◽

Infection Source ◽

Community Transmission ◽

Strict Enforcement ◽

Novel Coronavirus

In the early stages of the 2019 novel coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic, containment of disease importation from epidemic areas was essential for outbreak control. This study is based on publicly accessible data on confirmed COVID-19 cases in Taiwan extracted from the Taiwan Centers for Disease Control website. We analysed the characteristics, infection source, symptom presentation, and route of identification of the 321 imported cases that were identified from 21 January to 6 April 2020. They were mostly returned Taiwanese citizens who had travelled to one or more of 37 countries for tourism, business, work, or study. Half of these cases developed symptoms before arrival, most of the remainder developed symptoms 1–13 days (mean 4.0 days) after arrival, and 3.4% never developed symptoms. Three-quarters of the cases had respiratory symptoms, 44.9% had fever, 13.1% lost smell or taste, and 7.2% had diarrhoea. Body temperature and symptom screening at airports identified 32.7% of the cases. Of the remainder, 27.7% were identified during home quarantining, 16.2% were identified via contact tracing, and 23.4% were reported by hospitals. Under the strict enforcement of these measures, the incidence of locally acquired COVID-19 cases in Taiwan remains sporadic. In conclusion, proactive border control measures are effective for preventing community transmission of this disease.

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The first community outbreak of COVID-19 in Viet Nam: description and lessons learned

Western Pacific Surveillance and Response ◽

10.5365/wpsar.2020.11.2.016 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 12 (2) ◽

pp. 42-50

Author(s):

Duong Nhu Tran ◽

Quynh Mai Thi Le ◽

Hien Tran Nguyen ◽

Nghia Duy Ngu ◽

Khoa Trong Nguyen ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Preventive Measures ◽

Clinical Symptoms ◽

Lessons Learned ◽

Control Measures ◽

Contact Tracing ◽

Viet Nam ◽

Prevention And Control Measures ◽

Novel Coronavirus ◽

Nonpharmaceutical Interventions ◽

And Control

Objective: At the time of this study, the prevention of novel coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) relied solely on nonpharmaceutical interventions. Implementation of these interventions is not always optimal and, consequently, several cases were imported into non-epidemic areas and led to large community outbreaks. This report describes the characteristics of the first community outbreak of COVID-19 in Viet Nam and the intensive preventive measures taken in response. Methods: Cases were detected and tested for SARS-CoV-2 by real-time reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction. Contact tracing and active surveillance were conducted to identify suspected cases and individuals at risk. Clinical symptoms were recorded using a standardized questionnaire. Results: In Vinh Phuc province from 20 January to 3 March 2020, there were 11 confirmed cases among 158 suspected cases and 663 contacts. Nine of the confirmed cases (81.8%) had mild symptoms at the time of detection and two (18.2%) were asymptomatic; none required admission to an intensive care unit. Five prevention and control measures were implemented, including quarantining a community of 10 645 individuals for 20 days. The outbreak was successfully contained as of 13 February 2020. Discussion: In the absence of specific interventions, the intensive use of combined preventive measures can mitigate the spread of COVID-19. The lessons learned may be useful for other communities.

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Evaluating the effectiveness of measures to control the novel coronavirus disease 2019 in Jilin Province, China

BMC Infectious Diseases ◽

10.1186/s12879-021-05936-9 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 21 (1) ◽

Author(s):

Qinglong Zhao ◽

Yao Wang ◽

Meng Yang ◽

Meina Li ◽

Zeyu Zhao ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Prevention And Control ◽

Good Control ◽

Asymptomatic Infection ◽

Jilin Province ◽

Control Measures ◽

First Case ◽

Before And After ◽

Novel Coronavirus ◽

Reported Data ◽

And Control

Abstract Background Based on differences in populations and prevention and control measures, the spread of new coronary pneumonia in different countries and regions also differs. This study aimed to calculate the transmissibility of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), and to evaluate the effectiveness of measures to control the disease in Jilin Province, China. Methods The data of reported COVID-19 cases were collected, including imported and local cases from Jilin Province as of March 14, 2019. A Susceptible–Exposed–Infectious–Asymptomatic–Recovered/Removed (SEIAR) model was developed to fit the data, and the effective reproduction number (Reff) was calculated at different stages in the province. Finally, the effectiveness of the measures was assessed. Results A total of 97 COVID-19 infections were reported in Jilin Province, among which 45 were imported infections (including one asymptomatic infection) and 52 were local infections (including three asymptomatic infections). The model fit the reported data well (R2 = 0.593, P < 0.001). The Reff of COVID-19 before and after February 1, 2020 was 1.64 and 0.05, respectively. Without the intervention taken on February 1, 2020, the predicted cases would have reached a peak of 177,011 on October 22, 2020 (284 days from the first case). The projected number of cases until the end of the outbreak (on October 9, 2021) would have been 17,129,367, with a total attack rate of 63.66%. Based on the comparison between the predicted incidence of the model and the actual incidence, the comprehensive intervention measures implemented in Jilin Province on February 1 reduced the incidence of cases by 99.99%. Therefore, according to the current measures and implementation efforts, Jilin Province can achieve good control of the virus’s spread. Conclusions COVID-19 has a moderate transmissibility in Jilin Province, China. The interventions implemented in the province had proven effective; increasing social distancing and a rapid response by the prevention and control system will help control the spread of the disease.

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COVID-19 infection among international travellers: a prospective analysis

BMJ Open ◽

10.1136/bmjopen-2021-050667 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 11 (6) ◽

pp. e050667

Author(s):

Meaghan Lunney ◽

Paul E Ronksley ◽

Robert G Weaver ◽

Lianne Barnieh ◽

Norman Blue ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Critical Care ◽

Outcome Measures ◽

Contact Tracing ◽

Prospective Analysis ◽

Pilot Programme ◽

Negative Test ◽

Secondary Transmission ◽

To Receive ◽

Test Result

ObjectivesThis report estimates the risk of COVID-19 importation and secondary transmission associated with a modified quarantine programme in Canada.Design and participantsProspective analysis of international asymptomatic travellers entering Alberta, Canada.InterventionsAll participants were required to receive a PCR COVID-19 test on arrival. If negative, participants could leave quarantine but were required to have a second test 6 or 7 days after arrival. If the arrival test was positive, participants were required to remain in quarantine for 14 days.Main outcome measuresProportion and rate of participants testing positive for COVID-19; number of cases of secondary transmission.ResultsThe analysis included 9535 international travellers entering Alberta by air (N=8398) or land (N=1137) that voluntarily enrolled in the Alberta Border Testing Pilot Programme (a subset of all travellers); most (83.1%) were Canadian citizens. Among the 9310 participants who received at least one test, 200 (21.5 per 1000, 95% CI 18.6 to 24.6) tested positive. Sixty-nine per cent (138/200) of positive tests were detected on arrival (14.8 per 1000 travellers, 95% CI 12.5 to 17.5). 62 cases (6.7 per 1000 travellers, 95% CI 5.1 to 8.5; 31.0% of positive cases) were identified among participants that had been released from quarantine following a negative test result on arrival. Of 192 participants who developed symptoms, 51 (26.6%) tested positive after arrival. Among participants with positive tests, four (2.0%) were hospitalised for COVID-19; none required critical care or died. Contact tracing among participants who tested positive identified 200 contacts; of 88 contacts tested, 22 were cases of secondary transmission (14 from those testing positive on arrival and 8 from those testing positive thereafter). SARS-CoV-2 B.1.1.7 lineage was not detected in any of the 200 positive cases.Conclusions21.5 per 1000 international travellers tested positive for COVID-19. Most (69%) tested positive on arrival and 31% tested positive during follow-up. These findings suggest the need for ongoing vigilance in travellers testing negative on arrival and highlight the value of follow-up testing and contact tracing to monitor and limit secondary transmission where possible.

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Global Food Security in a Pandemic: The Case of the New Coronavirus (COVID-19)

World ◽

10.3390/world1020013 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 1 (2) ◽

pp. 171-190

Author(s):

Diosey Ramon Lugo-Morin

Keyword(s):

Food Security ◽

New Technologies ◽

Respiratory Infections ◽

Economic Sectors ◽

Global Food Security ◽

The World ◽

Production And Distribution ◽

Novel Coronavirus ◽

And Control ◽

Global Food

The world is currently experiencing a pandemic: a virus in the family Coronaviridae is causing serious respiratory infections in humans. The outbreak of novel coronavirus disease (COVID-19) was declared a pandemic by the WHO on 11 March 2020. The outbreak began in December 2019 in Wuhan, China, and has since spread throughout the world. Despite measures taken by governments throughout the world to contain and control the spread, economic disruption at the global level is imminent and will affect all economic sectors, particularly the food sector. In a post-pandemic scenario, the use of new technologies will be decisive in a new model of food commercialization. The production and distribution of food will be configured to make supply chains optimal and safe systems. Against this background, the present study aims to explore and analyze the implications of the COVID-19 pandemic for global food security.

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ESTIMATION OF SARS-COV-2 SPECIFIC ANTIBODIES SEROPREVALENCE IN HEALTHCARE WORKERS IN DISTRICT UDAIPUR, INDIA

10.36106/ijar/8102221 ◽

2021 ◽

pp. 61-63

Author(s):

Shelesh Kumar Swami ◽

Nitesh Kumar Chauhan ◽

Shuchi Goyal ◽

A.K. Verma ◽

Shweta Biyani

Keyword(s):

Healthcare Workers ◽

Clinical Symptoms ◽

Control Measures ◽

Rt Pcr ◽

High Seroprevalence ◽

Know How ◽

Novel Coronavirus ◽

And Control ◽

Infection Eradication ◽

Cumulative Prevalence

Background:Current pandemic caused by Novel coronavirus (COVID-19) causes clinical symptoms from fever to acute respiratory distress syndrome but may remain mild or asymptomatic. To evaluate the cumulative prevalence of SARSCoV-2 infection in a community and know how immune response develops in the population, reliable assay alongwith RT-PCR for detection of SARS-CoV 2 antibodies is needed. Healthcare workers (HCWs) represent a high-risk populat - ion for infection with SARS-CoV-2. Methods: We evaluated total antibodies recognizing the SARS CoV 2 receptor binding domain (S1-RBD) - - - or the Spike protein over a period of six months in a total of 310 healthcare workers engaged in hospital using SARS-CoV-2 Total antibody assay kit. Findings: The overall seroprevalence found in our analysis was 41.93%. In case of males the percentage positive was found to be signicantly higher at 43.91%, compared to females at 36.25%. Seroprevalence was signicantly higher in 50 years above age group in comparison to 20-50 years old aged healthcare workers. The seroprevalence was higher in doctors, nursing staff and lab technicians than other healthcare professionals as 44.6%. Conclusions: This study showed high seroprevalence of SARS-CoV-2 in healthcare workers which means remaining proportion of the healthcare workers are still susceptible to the infection. Good compliance to infection eradication and control measures, adequate PPEs, and early detection and isolation of healthcare workers infected with SARS-CoV-2 are mandatory to reduce the risk of SARS-CoV-2 infection.

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REVIEW ARTICLE ABOUT PERINATALAND NEONATAL MANAGEMENT FOR THE PREVENTION AND CONTROL OF THE 2019 NOVEL CORONAVIRUS INFECTION

10.36106/ijsr/8731203 ◽

2021 ◽

pp. 54-57

Author(s):

Isra Khalil Mohammed Ali Saeed ◽

Maha Hussein Mohammed Hamza ◽

Hiba Hussein Ibrahim ◽

Esmehan Elkheir Babeker ◽

Ibrahim Ismail M.Abu ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Prevention And Control ◽

Neonatal Intensive Care ◽

Control Measures ◽

Neonatal Intensive Care Units ◽

Community Physician ◽

Coronavirus Infection ◽

Novel Coronavirus ◽

And Control ◽

Who Guideline ◽

Immature Immune System

An epidemic of new coronavirus 2019 (COVID-19) has emerged in China since December 2019. WHO declared it as a pandemic on March 2020 as it has spread worldwide. Several cases among neonate were observed with rst reported 36 hours after birth. Due to the possibility of the infection and the immature immune system of the neonate there should be preventive and control measures at Neonatal Intensive Care Units. According to WHO guideline and other published articles in COVID-19 in infants and neonate a technical working group including community physician and Pediatricians has put measures for clinical management, prevention and control of COVID-19 in neonates.

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Risk Assessment of Novel Coronavirus COVID-19 Outbreaks Outside China

Journal of Clinical Medicine ◽

10.3390/jcm9020571 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 9 (2) ◽

pp. 571 ◽

Cited By ~ 93

Author(s):

Péter Boldog ◽

Tamás Tekeli ◽

Zsolt Vizi ◽

Attila Dénes ◽

Ferenc A. Bartha ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Control Measure ◽

Mainland China ◽

Destination Country ◽

Control Measures ◽

Cumulative Number ◽

Travel Restrictions ◽

Imported Cases ◽

Major Outbreak ◽

Novel Coronavirus ◽

Local Reproduction

We developed a computational tool to assess the risks of novel coronavirus outbreaks outside of China. We estimate the dependence of the risk of a major outbreak in a country from imported cases on key parameters such as: (i) the evolution of the cumulative number of cases in mainland China outside the closed areas; (ii) the connectivity of the destination country with China, including baseline travel frequencies, the effect of travel restrictions, and the efficacy of entry screening at destination; and (iii) the efficacy of control measures in the destination country (expressed by the local reproduction number R loc ). We found that in countries with low connectivity to China but with relatively high R loc , the most beneficial control measure to reduce the risk of outbreaks is a further reduction in their importation number either by entry screening or travel restrictions. Countries with high connectivity but low R loc benefit the most from policies that further reduce R loc . Countries in the middle should consider a combination of such policies. Risk assessments were illustrated for selected groups of countries from America, Asia, and Europe. We investigated how their risks depend on those parameters, and how the risk is increasing in time as the number of cases in China is growing.

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