Investigation of the COVID-19 outbreak in Juvenile Observation and Protection Center, Roi Et province, May 2023

Abstract

Background: On May 18, 2023, The Disease Prevention, Control and Epidemiology section, Roi Et hospital received the notification from Juvenile Observation and Protection Center, Roi Et province (JOP) that many children had positive results of ATK for Covid-19. Then the team performed outbreak investigation in order to confirm the outbreak and the diagnosis, identify the distribution and the risk factors of the outbreak, and recommend the control measures.

Methods: We performed a descriptive epidemiologic study. We interviewed patients and staffs at JOP, reviewed medical record and performed active case finding during 25 April – 31 May 2023 by using case definition. We also conducted the laboratory study as well as the environmental study.

Results: The total of 46 Covid-19 cases were found among children and staffs of JOP. The attack rate was 51.69%. The RT-PCR for SARS-CoV-2 of 6 patients showed positive results and Omicron strains. First case was the staff who had contacted with children. All patients had mild symptoms. The risk factors were sleeping in the same bedroom, living in the same air-conditioned room without wearing masks, talking and doing activities together, eating together, sharing spoons and glasses, and poor hands hygiene.

Recommendations: We recommend JOP establish the Covid-19 screening system, set up the disease surveillance system, educate everyone about disease prevention and good personal hygiene, and develop a good environmental sanitation system.