Epidemiological Characteristics of COVID-19 Outbreak at Fitness Centers in Cheonan, Korea
10.3346/jkms.2020.35.e288
- Author:
Sanghyuk BAE
1
;
Hwami KIM
;
Tae-Young JUNG
;
Ji-Ae LIM
;
Da-Hye JO
;
Gi-Seok KANG
;
Seung-Hee JEONG
;
Dong-Kwon CHOI
;
Hye-Jin KIM
;
Young Hee CHEON
;
Min-kyo CHUN
;
Miyoung KIM
;
Siwon CHOI
;
Chaemin CHUN
;
Seung Hwan SHIN
;
Hee Kyoung KIM
;
Young Joon PARK
;
Ok PARK
;
Ho-Jang KWON
Author Information
1. Department of Preventive Medicine, College of Medicine, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul, Korea
- Publication Type:Original Article
- From:Journal of Korean Medical Science
2020;35(31):e288-
- CountryRepublic of Korea
- Language:0
-
Abstract:
Background:In February 2020, a coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) outbreak was reported in fitness centers in Cheonan, Korea.
Methods:From February 24 to March 13, an epidemiological investigation was conducted on the fitness center outbreak. All those who were screened were tested for severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 (SARS CoV-2) using real-time reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction. Contacts were traced and self-isolated for 14 days. We determined the epidemiological characteristics of confirmed cases of SARS-CoV-2 infection, and estimated the time-dependent reproduction number to assess the transmission dynamics of the infection.
Results:A total of 116 cases were confirmed, and 1,687 contacts were traced. The source cases were 8 Zumba instructors who led aerobics classes in 10 fitness centers, and had the largest average number of contacts. A total of 57 Zumba class participants, 37 of their family members, and 14 other contacts were confirmed as cases. The attack rate was 7.3%. The contacts at Zumba classes and homes had a higher attack rate than other contacts. The mean serial interval (± standard deviation) were estimated to be 5.2 (± 3.8) days. The time-dependent reproduction number was estimated to be 6.1 at the beginning of the outbreak, but it dropped to less than 1, 2 days after the epidemiological investigation was launched.
Conclusion:The results suggest that the COVID-19 outbreak was effectively contained with rigorous contact tracing, isolating, and testing in combination with social distancing without a lock-down.
