Epidemiological investigation of the first locally acquired case of COVID-19 identified by influenza surveillance-Taiwan, February 2020.
J Microbiol Immunol Infect
; 56(3): 499-505, 2023 Jun.
Article
in English
| MEDLINE | ID: covidwho-2180785
ABSTRACT
BACKGROUND:
COVID-19 and influenza have similar clinical presentations that can range from mild to severe disease. The World Health Organization recommends that countries use existing influenza surveillance to monitor COVID-19 transmission in communities. We aim to describe the surveillance and investigation of COVID-19 at the early stage of the pandemic in Taiwan.METHODS:
In February 2020, the Taiwan Centers for Disease Control enhanced COVID-19 surveillance through its existing influenza surveillance. We retrospectively tested patients for SARS-CoV-2 who had symptoms of severe complicated influenza but were negative in influenza testing. We conducted an epidemiological investigation and contact tracing for the index patient and secondary cases to prevent virus transmission.RESULTS:
We identified the first COVID-19 patient on February 15 through enhanced COVID-19 surveillance. He had no history of traveling abroad and an unclear history of contact with COVID-19 cases. He presented with influenza-like illness on January 27 and was hospitalized from February 3 to 15. We identified 39 close contacts of the index patient, including 11 family members and 28 healthcare workers. In total, four close family contacts of the index patient tested positive for SARS-CoV-2. An additional 84 close contacts of the four secondary cases were identified and traced; none was diagnosed with COVID-19.CONCLUSIONS:
We recommend enhancing COVID-19 surveillance by testing patients with influenza-like illness. To prevent the spread of COVID-19, we recommend using appropriate personal protective equipment when in close contact with patients who present with influenza-like illness or when caring for patients with pneumonia of unknown etiology.Keywords
Full text:
Available
Collection:
International databases
Database:
MEDLINE
Main subject:
Virus Diseases
/
Influenza, Human
/
COVID-19
Type of study:
Diagnostic study
/
Etiology study
/
Observational study
/
Prognostic study
Limits:
Humans
/
Male
Country/Region as subject:
Asia
Language:
English
Journal:
J Microbiol Immunol Infect
Journal subject:
Allergy and Immunology
/
Microbiology
Year:
2023
Document Type:
Article
Affiliation country:
J.jmii.2023.01.008
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