A retrospective study on the effectiveness of active surveillance, control and prevention of the outbreak of COVID-19in rural communities, Ron Phibun District Nakhon Si Thammarat Province
Abstract:
The spread of Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID -19) has had a significant impact on public
health, medical, social, and economic systems. This study aimed to analyze the utilized multiple
interventions and control measures for the outbreak of COVID-19 in the rural community, Ron
Phibun district, Nakhon Si Thammarat Province. A descriptive study was conducted to review all
laboratory-confirmed COVID-19 case investigation reports and identify active measures from April
24 to May 20, 2021. A total of 80 laboratory-confirmed COVID-19 cases were identified in the Ron
Phibun district; 80 cases were detected via active surveillance measures, with 17 (21.25%) identified
through active case finding, 33 (41.25%) through close contact tracing, and 30 (37.5%) through the
surveillance system. The median age of 80 cases was 39 years (Q1=19, Q3=51). The analytic result
showed that the group of household contacts and Buddhist ordination ceremony of the confirmed
cases had a higher risk of SARS-CoV-2 infection than community contacts. This study indicated that
prevention and mitigation of a super-spreading event require decisions that are based first and
foremost on quickly recognizing and comprehending these events, especially in healthcare settings,
identifying and mitigating high-risk settings, and strict adherence to active measures. Suggestions
based on research findings to inform public health policies should be strengthened timely
implementation of nonpharmaceutical interventions could all help in the prevention and control of the
COVID-19 outbreak, and when future infectious disease outbreaks in a similar context.