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Androgen insensitivity syndrome has a wide spectrum of presentations. It results from a mutation in androgen receptor (AR) gene. It ranges from mild androgen insensitivity syndrome (MAIS) which is the mildest form to complete androgen insensitivity syndrome (CAIS). In case of MAIS, the abnormality that can be observed appears to be male infertility and sexual difficulties including premature ejaculation and erectile dysfunction. In this case report, we discuss a case of MAIS in a 37-year-old male who presented with infertility, premature ejaculation, and secondary erectile dysfunction.Copyright © 2023, Ibn Sina Trust. All rights reserved.
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Introduction: In December 2019, the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-COV-2) virus emerged and caused a worldwide pandemic, leading to measures being imposed by many countries to reduce its transmission. Singapore implemented the 'circuit breaker', which restricted all movements except for access to necessities and healthcare services. We aimed to investigate the impact of lockdown measures on the pattern of trauma and its effects. Methods: An observational, retrospective, single-centre descriptive study was conducted using the trauma registry in Singapore General Hospital. It included patients above 18 years old who presented to the emergency department with trauma and were subsequently admitted. Patients admitted from 1 February 2020 to 31 July 2020 and those admitted during the same timeframe in 2019 were studied. Subgroup analyses were performed for patients aged ≥65 years and those <65 years. Results: A total of 1,037 patients were included for analysis. A 17.6% increase in trauma presentations was seen from 2019 to 2020. Patients aged ≥65 years accounted for the rise in admissions. The predominant mechanism of injury was falls at home for older patients and vehicular accidents in patients <65 years. There were no significant differences in injury severity score, intensive care/high-dependency unit admission rates, length of stay, mortality rate, and subsequent need for inpatient rehabilitation. Conclusion: Our study provided information on differences in trauma presentations before and during the COVID-19 pandemic. Further studies are required to better inform on additional precautionary measures needed to reduce trauma and improve safety during future lockdowns and pandemics.
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Background There were a few studies on bacterial coinfection in hospitalized COVID-19 patients worldwide. This systematic review aimed to provide the pooled prevalence of bacterial coinfection from published studies from 2020 to 2022. Methods Three databases were used to search the studies, and 49 studies from 2,451 identified studies involving 212,605 COVID-19 patients were included in this review. Results The random-effects inverse-variance model determined that the pooled prevalence of bacterial coinfection in hospitalized COVID-19 patients was 26.84% (95% CI [23.85–29.83]). The pooled prevalence of isolated bacteria for Acinetobacter baumannii was 23.25% (95% CI [19.27–27.24]), Escherichia coli was 10.51% (95% CI [8.90–12.12]), Klebsiella pneumoniae was 15.24% (95% CI [7.84–22.64]), Pseudomonas aeruginosa was 11.09% (95% CI [8.92–13.27]) and Staphylococcus aureus (11.59% (95% CI [9.71–13.46])). Meanwhile, the pooled prevalence of antibiotic-resistant bacteria for extended-spectrum beta-lactamases producing Enterobacteriaceae was 15.24% (95% CI [7.84–22.64]) followed by carbapenem-resistant Acinetobacter baumannii (14.55% (95% CI [9.59–19.52%])), carbapenem-resistant Pseudomonas aeruginosa (6.95% (95% CI [2.61–11.29])), methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (5.05% (95% CI [3.49–6.60])), carbapenem-resistant Enterobacteriaceae (4.95% (95% CI [3.10–6.79])), and vancomycin-resistant Enterococcus (1.26% (95% CI [0.46–2.05])). Conclusion All the prevalences were considered as low. However, effective management and prevention of the infection should be considered since these coinfections have a bad impact on the morbidity and mortality of patients.
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This study seeks to explore the effects of the COVID-19 crisis on the business resilience of SMEs in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) as an emerging economy, and specifically in Dubai, a thriving global business hub. Our objective is to examine the challenges experienced by small and medium enterprises (SMEs) in this region and how business leaders respond to the unprecedented crisis to stay afloat. We obtained rich descriptions from 26 respondents comprising SME owners and managers, using semi-structured interviews and a reflective process model to discern different aspects of business volatility, leadership roles, and financial management. All respondents endured the crisis periods by implementing numerous changes and initiatives to explore new norms of working, uncharted business territories, fulfill current projects, and develop innovative solutions and diversification in their businesses. Many have turned challenges into opportunities, progressing successfully through the three challenging periods of crisis using diverse approaches to stay resilient. The paper concludes with a discussion of theoretical and practical implications and future research directions.
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Background: Coronary Heart Disease (CHD), commonly known as the silent killer, impacted the severity of COVID-19 patients during the pandemic era. Thrombosis or blood clots create the buildup of plaque on the coronary artery walls of the heart, which leads to coronary heart disease. Cyclooxygenase 1 (COX-1) is involved in the production of prostacyclin by systemic arteries;hence, inhibiting the COX-1 enzyme can prevent platelet reactivity mediated by prostacyclin. To obtain good health and well-being, the research of discovery of new drugs for anti-thrombotic still continue. Objective(s): This study aims to predict the potential of 17 compounds owned by the vanillin analog to COX-1 receptor using in silico. Method(s): This research employed a molecular docking analysis using Toshiba hardware and AutoDock Tools version 1.5.7, ChemDraw Professional 16.0, Discovery Studio, UCSF Chimera software, SWISSADME and pKCSM, a native ligand from COX-1 (PDB ID: 1CQE) was validated. Result(s): The validation result indicated that the RMSD was <2 A. The 4-formyl-2-methoxyphenyl benzoate compound had the lowest binding energy in COX-1 inhibition with a value of-7.70 A. All vanillin derivatives show good intestinal absorption, and the predicted toxicity indicated that they were non-hepatotoxic. All these compounds have the potential to be effective antithrombotic treatments when consumed orally. Conclusion(s): In comparison to other vanillin derivative com-pounds, 4-formyl-2-methoxyphenyl benzoate has the lowest binding energy value;hence, this analog can continue to be synthesized and its potential as an antithrombotic agent might be confirmed by in vivo studies.Copyright © the Author(s), 2023.
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Prospective cohort study to investigate the potential exposure to the Middle East Respiratory Syndrome-Coronavirus (MERS-CoV) following Hajj pilgrims is still very limited. Here, we report the antibody seroconversion study results obtained from successive three years cohort studies (2016-2018) involving the Malaysian Hajj pilgrims returning from the Middle East. A cohort study of Hajj pilgrims from Malaysia enrolled 2,863 participants from 2016-2018, all of whom consented to provide paired blood samples for both pre- and post-Hajj travel to the Middle East. ELISAs and micro-neutralization assays were performed to detect the presence of MERS-CoV IgG antibodies. Sociodemographic data, symptoms experienced during Hajj, and history of exposure to camels or camel products were recorded using structured pre- and post-Hajj questionnaires. A 4-fold increase in anti-MERS-CoV IgG between paired pre-Hajj and post-Hajj serum samples in twelve participants was observed. None of the twelve ELISA-positive sera had detectable levels of virus-neutralizing antibodies. All reportedly had mild symptoms of respiratory symptoms at a certain point during the pilgrimage, implying mild or asymptomatic infections. No association between post-Hajj serum positivity and a history of exposure to camels or camel products was obtained. Findings from the study suggest that serologic conversion to MERS-CoV occurred in at least 0.6% of the Hajj pilgrims returning from the Middle East. Since all the seroconvertants had mild to no symptoms during the sampling period, it highlights the likelihood of occurrence of only low infectivity spillover infections among the Hajj pilgrims.
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Coronavirus Infections , Middle East Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus , Animals , Camelus , Prospective Studies , Cohort Studies , Seroconversion , Middle East/epidemiology , Travel , Saudi Arabia/epidemiologyABSTRACT
Background: Stress amidst the COVID-19 pandemic is becoming more prevalent. This paper aimed to describe the validation process of the Malay Perceived Stress Scale modified for COVID-19 (PSS-10-C) amongst Malaysian youths. Methods: The cross-sectional validation study design was employed in this study. In Phase I, the scale was translated into Malay by using the forward-backward method. In Phase 2, principal axis factoring and confirmatory factor analysis were conducted in Study 1 (n = 267) and Study 2 (n = 324), respectively. Results: A two-factor solution, comprising 'distress' and 'coping' domains was derived (cumulative variance = 65.2%) in Phase 2. Concurrent validity evaluated via the Beck Hopelessness Scale revealed a moderate positive correlation (0.528). In Study 2 (n = 324), the confirmatory factor analysis showed that the two-factor model achieved acceptable model fit indices, including χ2/df ratio = 2.57; root mean square error of approximation (RMSEA) = 0.07; 95% CI = 0.05, 0.09; Tucker-Lewis Index (TLI) = 0.95 and Normed Fit Index (NFI) = 0.94. The Cronbach's alpha scale score was 0.855 for the study samples. Conclusion: The Malay PSS-10-C is a valid and reliable scale to be used amongst Malaysian youths.
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Traditionally, dengue is controlled by fogging, and the prime location for the control measure is at the patient's residence. However, when Malaysia was hit by the first wave of the Coronavirus disease (COVID-19), and the government-imposed movement control order, dengue cases have decreased by more than 30% from the previous year. This implies that residential areas may not be the prime locations for dengue-infected mosquitoes. The existing early warning system was focused on temporal prediction wherein the lack of consideration for spatial component at the microlevel and human mobility were not considered. Thus, we developed MozzHub, which is a web-based application system based on the bipartite network-based dengue model that is focused on identifying the source of dengue infection at a small spatial level (400 m) by integrating human mobility and environmental predictors. The model was earlier developed and validated; therefore, this study presents the design and implementation of the MozzHub system and the results of a preliminary pilot test and user acceptance of MozzHub in six district health offices in Malaysia. It was found that the MozzHub system is well received by the sample of end-users as it was demonstrated as a useful (77.4%), easy-to-operate system (80.6%), and has achieved adequate client satisfaction for its use (74.2%).
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Concurrent outbreaks of circulating vaccine-derived poliovirus serotypes 1 and 2 (cVDPV1, cVDPV2) were confirmed in the Republic of the Philippines in September 2019 and were subsequently confirmed in Malaysia by early 2020. There is continuous population subgroup movement in specific geographies between the two countries. Outbreak response efforts focused on sequential supplemental immunization activities with monovalent Sabin strain oral poliovirus vaccine type 2 (mOPV2) and bivalent oral poliovirus vaccines (bOPV, containing Sabin strain types 1 and 3) as well as activities to enhance poliovirus surveillance sensitivity to detect virus circulation. A total of six cVDPV1 cases, 13 cVDPV2 cases, and one immunodeficiency-associated vaccine-derived poliovirus type 2 case were detected, and there were 35 cVDPV1 and 31 cVDPV2 isolates from environmental surveillance sewage collection sites. No further cVDPV1 or cVDPV2 have been detected in either country since March 2020. Response efforts in both countries encountered challenges, particularly those caused by the global COVID-19 pandemic. Important lessons were identified and could be useful for other countries that experience outbreaks of concurrent cVDPV serotypes.
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The COVID-19 pandemic has been affecting our lifestyles, such as work, living, and health. In Malaysia, the Restriction of Movement Order (RMO) was first announced in March 2020 to curb the spread of the virus. Since then, many Malaysians have been confined to their own home. This new lifestyle can cause a change of eating habits where healthy eating may be a challenge. Hence, our qualitative study explored the challenges and strategies for healthy eating during the first wave of the COVID-19 home confinement period among working adults overweight and obese in Malaysia. Eleven participants were individually interviewed through phone calls. The interviews were audio-recorded, transcribed verbatim, and then coded with NVIVO 12 based on thematic analysis. We found that social pressure, changes in the social setting, more free time to access food, and extra stock of unhealthy foods at home were among the challenges to healthy eating. Some participants countered these perceived challenges by reducing unhealthy food stock, limiting kitchen visits, and utilizing self-monitoring apps to monitor their calorie intake. Social media was not consistently perceived to influence their eating behavior during this period. We conclude that COVID-19 home confinement has created challenges to healthy eating habits among overweight and obese adults with overweight and obesity. Our study provides evidence that vulnerable groups such as overweight and obese individuals require specific nutritional support during pandemic-related confinement to enhance eating self-efficacy.
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COVID-19 , Diet, Healthy , Adult , Body Mass Index , COVID-19/epidemiology , Feeding Behavior , Humans , Obesity/epidemiology , Overweight/epidemiology , Pandemics , Weight LossABSTRACT
COVID-19 pandemic had significant emotional and psychological effects on the general population where healthcare providers were no exception. This study aimed to identify the factors associated with psychological disturbances such as vicarious traumatisation, anxiety and depression among healthcare providers during the early phase of the COVID-19 pandemic. This cross-sectional study included 306 participants who fulfilled the inclusion and exclusion criteria from May to July 2020 in a state tertiary hospital. We employed a self-administered case report form containing socio-economic data and three questionnaires, i.e. Malay version Vicarious Traumatization Questionnaire, Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale and Medical Outcome Study Social Support Survey. Descriptive analysis and linear regression were applied for vicarious traumatisation while binary logistic regression was applied for anxiety and depression outcomes. The findings suggested that participants worked in the Medical Department were more likely to develop psychological disturbances than other departments. Non-frontline (adjusted coefficient [95% CI]: -17.04 [-24.77, -9.30]) and female healthcare providers (adjusted coefficient [95% CI]: 10.73 [2.99, 18.46]) were associated with vicarious traumatisation. Non-frontline healthcare providers (adjusted odds ratio [95% CI]: 0.13 [0.06, 0.29]) were also associated with anxiety besides shift work (adjusted odds ratio [95% CI]: 3.80 [1.04, 13.83]). Meanwhile, medical officers (adjusted odds ratio [95% CI]: 0.31 [0.10, 0.91]) were less likely to report depression symptoms compared to staff nurses. These findings can assist hospital bureaucracy to focus on necessary interventions to improve the mental and psychological health of healthcare providers.
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This study seeks to explore the effects of the COVID-19 crisis on the business resilience of SMEs in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) as an emerging economy, and specifically in Dubai, a thriving global business hub. Our objective is to examine the challenges experienced by small and medium enterprises (SMEs) in this region and how business leaders respond to the unprecedented crisis to stay afloat. We obtained rich descriptions from 26 respondents comprising SME owners and managers, using semi-structured interviews and a reflective process model to discern different aspects of business volatility, leadership roles, and financial management. All respondents endured the crisis periods by implementing numerous changes and initiatives to explore new norms of working, uncharted business territories, fulfill current projects, and develop innovative solutions and diversification in their businesses. Many have turned challenges into opportunities, progressing successfully through the three challenging periods of crisis using diverse approaches to stay resilient. The paper concludes with a discussion of theoretical and practical implications and future research directions.
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BACKGROUND: This systematic review aims to review research manuscripts during the COVID-19 pandemic that focus on the relationship between self-efficacy, adversity quotient, COVID-19-related stress and academic performance on a range of undergraduate student. METHODS: The authors will perform comprehensive searches of published studies in electronic databases such as PMC, PubMed, Scopus, Cochrane Library and Web of Science by using the following search terms: 'self-efficacy' AND 'adversity quotient' AND 'stress' AND 'academic performance' AND 'student' AND 'COVID-19 pandemic'. Only full-text articles in English language are included. Two reviewers will independently conduct the article selection, data extraction, and quality assessment. Any possible disagreement will be resolved by discussion, and one arbitrator (NA) will adjudicate unresolved disagreements. RESULTS: This review will provide an updated overview of investigating the relationship between self-efficacy, adversity quotient, COVID-19-related stress and academic performance on a range of undergraduate student during the COVID-19 pandemic. Ultimately, based on this systematic review, we will recommend the direction for future research. CONCLUSION: The result of the study may help the researchers to find an updated overview of various studies in related topic. ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION: Data from published studies will be used. Therefore, ethical approval is not required prior to this systematic review. The results will be published in a peer-reviewed journal.
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Academic Performance , COVID-19 , Humans , COVID-19/epidemiology , Self Efficacy , Students , PubMed , Systematic Reviews as TopicABSTRACT
BACKGROUND: Many COVID-19 patients presented with detrimental features, such as impaired respiratory function, physical capacity, and overall poor quality of life. The present study evaluates the effectiveness of pulmonary rehabilitation on COVID-19 patients. METHODS: We searched PubMed, Scopus, ScienceDirect, and Google Scholar from 2019 to 2021. The protocol was registered in PROSPERO with the registration number CRD42021273618. We performed statistical analyses via random effects and expressed the outcomes as standardized mean difference (SMD) for continuous variables, with 95% confidence intervals (CI). RESULTS: We included six trials involving 432 patients. The primary outcome showed a significant improvement in physical function (SMD 0.83, 95% CI -0.58 to 1.09; p < 0.001; four trials, 266 participants; high-quality evidence). There was significant difference in anxiety (SMD -0.80, 95% CI -1.23 to -0.37; p = 0.003), physical activity intensity levels (SMD -1.27, 95% CI -2.23 to -0.32; p = 0.009), sleep quality (MD -0.05, 95% CI -0.83 to -0.16; p = 0.004), peripheral muscle performance of lower limbs (SMD 0.90, 95% CI -0.60 to 1.20; p < 0.001), and dyspnoea outcomes (SMD -0.55, 95% CI -0.87 to -0.23; p = 0.007). CONCLUSIONS: Pulmonary rehabilitation is an effective adjuvant therapy that minimizes COVID-19 severity in the intervention group compared to the conventional treatment. The findings of this study will need to be considered in the framework of the clinical outcome as observed in the intervention outcome. Additionally, safer data on guideline rehabilitation would be needed to examine whether pulmonary rehabilitation would be a fruitful intervention to reduce COVID-19 severity.
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PURPOSE: This study sought to investigate the acceptance rate and associated factors of COVID-19 vaccines among dentists and dental students in seven countries. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A structured questionnaire prepared and guided by the report of the SAGE Working Group on Vaccine Hesitancy was distributed among groups of dentists and dental students in seven countries across four continents. RESULTS: A total of 1527 subjects (850 dentists and 677 dental students) participated in this survey. Although 72.5% of the respondents reported their intention to accept COVID-19 vaccines (dentists: 74.4%, dental students: 70.2%), there was a significant difference in agreement between dentists/dental students across countries; generally, respondents in upper-middle-, and high-income countries (UM-HICs) showed significantly higher acceptance rates compared to those in low- and lower-middle income countries (L-LMICs). Potential predictors of higher vaccine acceptance included being a dentist, being free of comorbidity, being well-informed about COVID-19 vaccines, having better knowledge about COVID-19 complications, having anxiety about COVID-19 infection, having no concerns about the side effects of the produced vaccines and being a resident of an UM-HIC. CONCLUSION: The results of our survey indicate a relatively good acceptance rate of COVID-19 among the surveyed dentists and dental students. However, dentists and dental students in L-LMICs showed significantly lower vaccine acceptance rates and trust in COVID-19 vaccines compared to their counterparts in UM-HICs. Our results provide important information to policymakers, highlighting the need for implementation of country-specific vaccine promotion strategies, with special focus on L-LMICs.
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The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). Symptoms of COVID-19 can range from asymptomatic to severe, which could lead to fatality. Like other pathogenic viruses, the infection of SARS-CoV-2 relies on binding its spike glycoprotein to the host receptor angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE 2). Molecular studies suggested that there is a high affinity between the spike glycoprotein and ACE 2 that might arise due to their hydrophobic interaction. This property is mainly responsible for making this virus highly infectious. Apart from this, the transmissibility of the virus, prolonged viability in certain circumstances, and rapid mutations also contributed to the current pandemic situation. Nanotechnology provides potential alternative solutions to combat COVID-19 with the development of i. nanomaterial-based COVID-19 detection technology, ii. nanomaterial-based disinfectants, iii. nanoparticle-based vaccines, and iv. nanoparticle-based drug delivery. Hence, this review provides diverse insight into understanding COVID-19.
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COVID-19 , SARS-CoV-2 , Humans , Spike Glycoprotein, Coronavirus/genetics , Spike Glycoprotein, Coronavirus/metabolism , Peptidyl-Dipeptidase A/genetics , Peptidyl-Dipeptidase A/metabolism , BiologyABSTRACT
(1) Background: Vaccine hesitancy is recognized as an important issue globally and healthcare workers (HCWs) have a powerful influence on the public. Recent studies have reported that there are increasing numbers of vaccine hesitancies among HCWs. This study was conducted to assess the knowledge and attitudes on childhood vaccinations among HCWs in Hospital Universiti Sains Malaysia (HUSM). (2) Methods: This is a cross-sectional study conducted among one hundred and ninety-eight HCWs in HUSM, Kubang Kerian, Kelantan who were selected via convenient sampling. Data on their socio-demographic details, working experience, and main source of information regarding childhood vaccination were collected. A validated, Malay version of the knowledge and attitude on childhood vaccination (KACV) questionnaire was used during the study. (3) Results: Female (OR (95% CI):3.15, (1.39, 7.12), p < 0.05) and a higher education level (degree and above) (OR (95% CI): 2.36 (1.14, 4.89), p < 0.05) are significantly associated with good knowledge. Respondents with a history of side effects of the vaccines among their relatives were about 66% less likely to have good knowledge (OR (95% CI): 0.342 (0.16, 0.73), p < 0.05). A positive attitude towards childhood vaccination was significantly associated with a higher level of education participants, who had significantly better knowledge than participants with a lower education level (OR (95% CI): 3.81, (1.92, 7.57), p < 0.001). On the contrary, participants having direct contact with patients were less likely to have a good attitude towards childhood vaccination (OR (95% CI): 0.207 (0.043, 0.10), p < 0.05), and those with a history of severe side effects of the vaccines among their relatives were also significantly associated with a poor attitude towards childhood vaccination (OR (95% CI: 0.342 (0.16, 0.76), p < 0.05).; (4) Conclusions: The survey findings showed a good level of knowledge and a good attitude of participants towards childhood vaccination. Good knowledge is important for the HCWs to have a favourable attitude to educate the general population on childhood vaccination.
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Introduction: In the fight against the COVID-19 pandemic, frontline healthcare providers who are engaged in the direct diagnosis, treatment, and care of patients face a high risk of infection and inadequate protection from contamination, overwork, frustration, and exhaustion. These impose significant psychological and mental health concerns for frontline healthcare providers. Objectives: This study aimed to explore the experiences and challenges faced and coping strategies adopted by frontline healthcare providers in response to the COVID-19 pandemic in Kelantan, Malaysia. Methodology: This phenomenological approach to qualitative study used a telephone-based in-depth interview that followed a semistructured interview guide. The number of frontline healthcare providers was based on saturation theory. All the participants recruited fulfilled the inclusion and exclusion criteria from May to July 2020 in Raja Perempuan Zainab II Hospital. All interviews were audio recorded and transcribed verbatim. Thematic data analysis using NVIVO version 10 was performed. Result: The 10 respondents involved in this study consisted of doctors, medical assistants, and nurses. The findings were divided into four main themes: invaluable experiences during the pandemic, challenges, coping strategies, and future expectations. The providers responded well in facing the disease even though they felt psychologically disturbed at the initial phase of the COVID-19 pandemic. Conclusion: Healthcare providers perceived themselves as being more resilient and less vulnerable to psychological impacts than they were before the pandemic.
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Older adults are vulnerable towards cognitive frailty that can lead to adverse health outcomes and telerehabilitation appears to be a potential platform to reverse cognitive frailty among older adults. The aim of this coping review is to identify the usage of telerehabilitation and its common platform of delivery among older adults with mild cognitive impairment (MCI) or cognitive frailty (CF). Articles published from January 2015 until October 2020 were selected. Out of the 1738 articles retrieved, six studies were identified. Two articles were randomized controlled trials, one was a pilot study and three were qualitative studies. The outcome suggests that telerehabilitation may improve the quality of life among participants as well as it can be a useful and supportive digital platform for health care. Some types of technologies commonly used were smartphones or telephones with internet, television-based assistive integrated technology, mobile application and videoconference. Telerehabilitation utilization in managing cognitive frailty among older adults is still limited and more research is required to evaluate its feasibility and acceptability. Although telerehabilitation appears to be implemented among older adults with MCI and CF, some social support is still required to improve the adherence and effectiveness of telerehabilitation. Future research should focus on the evaluation of acceptance and participants' existing knowledge towards telerehabilitation to achieve its target.
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Cognitive Dysfunction , Frailty , Telerehabilitation , Aged , Cognition , Cognitive Dysfunction/psychology , Humans , Pilot Projects , Quality of Life , Randomized Controlled Trials as TopicABSTRACT
This study aimed to describe the characteristics of COVID-19 cases and close contacts during the first wave of COVID-19 in Malaysia (23 January 2020 to 26 February 2020), and to analyse the reasons why the outbreak did not continue to spread and lessons that can be learnt from this experience. Characteristics of the cases and close contacts, spatial spread, epidemiological link, and timeline of the cases were examined. An extended SEIR model was developed using several parameters such as the average number of contacts per day per case, the proportion of close contact traced per day and the mean daily rate at which infectious cases are isolated to determine the basic reproduction number (R0) and trajectory of cases. During the first wave, a total of 22 cases with 368 close contacts were traced, identified, tested, quarantine and isolated. Due to the effective and robust outbreak control measures put in place such as early case detection, active screening, extensive contact tracing, testing and prompt isolation/quarantine, the outbreak was successfully contained and controlled. The SEIR model estimated the R0 at 0.9 which further supports the decreasing disease dynamics and early termination of the outbreak. As a result, there was a 11-day gap (free of cases) between the first and second wave which indicates that the first wave was not linked to the second wave.