An Investigation of COVID-19 Outbreak in Village No.4, Tha Yang Subdistrict, Thung Yai District, Nakhon Si Thammarat, 13 September–5 November 2021
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.59096/wesr.v57i7.5383Keywords:
COVID-19, household contact, hand washing, Kratom consumptionAbstract
Background: The COVID-19 epidemic in Nakhon Si Thammarat Province showed a continuous increasing trend from August to November 2021, particularly among household and community clusters. On 3 October 2021, the Office of Disease Prevention and Control 11, Nakhon Si Thammarat Province, reported a cluster of 40 confirmed COVID-19 cases in Village No. 4, Tha Yang Subdistrict, Thung Yai District, Nakhon Si Thammarat Province. A joint investigation team from the Office of Disease Prevention and Control 11, the Division of Epidemiology, Department of Disease Control, Thung Yai District Public Health Office, and Thung Yai Hospital conducted an outbreak investigation during 4–8 and 13–16 October 2021 to determine the extent of the outbreak and transmission patterns, identify the source and mode of transmission, assess possible risk factors, and provide recommendations for disease prevention and control in the affected area.
Methods: A descriptive study was conducted by reviewing COVID-19 situation in Thung Yai and individual case investigation reports. We interviewed confirmed cases, healthcare personnels, and the community leaders. Environmental assessments were performed. Risk factors for disease transmission were assessed using a prospective cohort study.
Results: 13 September–31 October 2021, a total of 107 confirmed COVID-19 cases (attack rate 10.01%) in Village No. 4, Tha Yang Subdistrict, with no reported deaths. A high attack rate was observed among females, with a median age of 25 years, and 84 cases resided in 31 households. Multivariable logistic regression showed that regular hand washing was a significant protective factor against COVID-19 infection (OR=0.06, 95%CI 0.01–0.48).
Discussion and Conclusion: A COVID-19 outbreak occurred in Village No.4, Tha Yang Subdistrict, Thung Yai District, with a high attack rate among females, most of whom were aged 30 years or younger. Household contact with confirmed cases and regular hand washing were associated with COVID-19 infection. Public health authorities should accelerate COVID-19 vaccination coverage, particularly among the 608 high-risk group.
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