Investigation of a Covid-19 outbreak in Mueang District , Mahasarakham province

Abstract

Objectives : The objectives were to confirm diagnostic cases, describe the disease spreading by time, place, and person, to find the source of disease transmission, and to provide control measures.

Methods : We conducted a descriptive study by interviewing patients and related people. We reviewed medical records, collected laboratory test results, examined the related environment, and provided control measures.

Results : An outbreak of COVID-19 was found in the area of ​​Mueang District, Maha Sarakham province among merchants and the family. There were 22 cases started from 11 January to 10 February 2021, including 12 males and 10 females, representing a male-to-female ratio of 1.2: 1. The patients were aged 4 months to 72 years old. The median age was 54. The most common occupation was merchants, with 19 cases (86.36%). Of the 22 COVID-19 cases, 15  cases showed symptoms, 4 asymptomatic cases, and 3 cases were without information. From the active case finding, we found a total of 324 high-risk contact cases, and the number of low-risk contact cases was 4,016. Sharing food might be an important risk factor for disease spreading in this cluster. Therefore, universal control measures should be strictly followed to prevent the spread of COVID-19.

Conclusions : There were 22 cases of COVID-19. This outbreak originated from outside the area and spread in the local area. The source of the disease was still unknown. It may be caused by eating together that causes the disease to spread widely. Therefore, measures to prevent the spread of COVID-19 should be strictly followed.