The Importance Of High Index Of Suspicion And Immediate Containment Of Suspected Covid-19 Cases In Institute Of Higher Education Sabah, Malaysia Borneo
https://doi.org/10.37268/mjphm/vol.20/no.2/art.573
- Author:
Loganathan Salvaraji
;
Syed Sharizman Syed Abdul Rahim
;
Mohammad Saffree Jeffree
;
Azizan Omar
;
Nicholas Tze Ping Pang
;
Fatimah Ahmedy
;
Firdaus Hayati
;
Boon Tat Yeap
;
Nelbon Giloi
;
Sahipudin Saupin
;
Assikin Muhammad
;
Syaza Putri Zainudin
- Publication Type:Journal Article
- Keywords:
High Index Suspicion;
Containment;
Suspected COVID-19 Cases;
Institute Of Higher Education;
Sabah Borneo
- From:Malaysian Journal of Public Health Medicine
2020;20(2):74-83
- CountryMalaysia
- Language:English
-
Abstract:
Higher education institutions face major challenges in managing the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. The risk of exposure from the community poses a threat to campus staff and students. This study describes epidemiological characteristics of suspected COVID-19 cases among a public university’s students and staff. This is a retrospective review on data collected from the institute’s COVID-19 Preparedness and Respond Centre, located at the main campus in Kota Kinabalu, the capital city of Sabah from mid-January to April 2020. Incidence rate was calculated, and epidemiological information retrieved from interviews and relevant documents. The majority of suspected COVID-19 cases were staff (57.1%) with incidence rates higher among males (IR=40.2/1,000 population) and those working in the frontline (IR=39.6/1,000 population). Suspected COVID-19 cases were mostly related to occupation (37.3%) and social contacts (27.3%). Student cases were largely related to household (38.1%) and during travel (33.3%). One positive COVID-19 case was reported of out of the 161 suspected cases (0.6%) in the institution. An operational team must be set up to conduct situational analysis and integrate management with other departments. Suspected COVID-19 cases must be quarantined and monitored on a daily basis. A high index of suspicion and effective containment of suspected cases will prevent spread of the virus among students and staff.
- Full text:22.2020my0512.pdf
