Detection of SARS-CoV-2 Infected Persons Among Foreign Workers Exposed to Patients in the Textile Factory, Mae Sot District, Tak Province Using real-time RT-PCR

Abstract

    SARS-CoV-2 has caused COVID-19 which is an emerging disease affecting numerous deaths and cases throughout the world. This report provided results of case finding among migrant workers of a textile factory in Mae Sot district who were at risk for infection through close contact or suspected to have contact with patients. It occurred after case detection in factory employees visiting Mae Sot Hospital in the middle of 2021. Through routine active surveillance, contact tracing and laboratory testing were performed. Nasopharyngeal swabs were collected and transported to the hospital for SARS-CoV-2 detection by real-time reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (real-time RT-PCR) using a COVITECT-1 SARS-CoV-2 Real-Time RT-PCR Kit. Among 106 Myanmar workers tested for the infection. Their ages ranged from 18 to 55 years old, and genders were 32 (30.19%) males and 74 (69.81%) females. Seven cases (6.66%) were identified with the age range of 20–39 years old. Of these, 2 were male and 5 were female. Targeting cycle threshold (Ct) of RT-PCR, all positive samples had Ct values for the detection of RdRp and N gene in a range of 20.16–33.36 and 22.13–33.55, respectively. Overall, the testing results indicated a low infection rate in this population. By active case fi nding using real-time RT-PCR, new cases and isolating infected persons from risk groups, and spreading control, could be done more quickly, and facilitated risk assessment and preparedness for the disease. The information addressed in this report could be useful as a practical guideline or to improve practice further.