Epidemiological investigation and analysis of a cluster epidemic of COVID-19 on campus in 2022 / 上海预防医学

ABSTRACT

ObjectiveTo characterize a cluster epidemic of coronavirus disease 2019 （COVID-19）on campus in Baotou city and provide evidence for the prevention and control of COVID-19 in universities. MethodsField epidemiological investigation was conducted to determine the confirmed cases and close contacts in the cluster epidemic of COVID-19 in a university of western China in 2022. Descriptive analysis was utilized to illustrate the epidemic timeline and schematic diagram. Real-time quantitative fluorescent PCR（RT-PCR） was used to detect the nucleic acid of SARS-CoV-2 in the collected samples. ResultsA total of eight students were infected in the cluster epidemic on campus， including 2 confirmed cases and 6 asymptomatic cases. Case A1 infected other 7 students in the same dormitory or on the same floor by close contact. After a 10-day quarantine and medical observation， no further case was reported. The overall incidence rate was 1.22% and the incidence rate among close contacts was 2.24%. ConclusionThis cluster epidemic of COVID-19 is characterized by strong and fast transmission. Repeated contact with no personal protection in confined space is highly vulnerable to cluster epidemic. Prevention of cluster epidemics on campus remains crucial to contain the epidemic. Therefore， it is necessary to strengthen the management of campus containment， interrupt the transmission route， identify close contacts and implement quarantine management as early as possible to avoid the cluster epidemics on campus.