During the first wave of pandemic in 2020, the initial prodromal symptoms of COVID-19 were similar to vaccine preventable diseases like Measles apart from typical rash and probability of missing such cases during COVID-19 will lead to local spread of cases. The most significant risk lies in children below five years, especially unvaccinated expatriate children who contribute to imported cases of measles from highly endemic countries. After initial confirmation of 3 cases in April 2020, this outbreak was epidemiologically investigated in Al Buraimi Governorate, Oman, which included data on clinical symptoms, exposure information, travel history, immunization, and history of contact with others. Among the positive cases, 75% were girls; 6 were Afghani nationals and 2 were Pakistani nationals. However, most cases were reported between Afghani nationals 6 (75%) due to their low vaccination status. Genotyping B3 was isolated, and the virus traced back to Pakistan as the country of origin. In 2019, the Regional Verification Commission for Measles and Rubella (RVC), has declared Oman as a measles and rubella-free nation. The rationale of this study is to have a clear understanding of the events that led to the importation of genotype B3 measles outbreak in Al Buraimi Governorate, Oman, during initial phase of first wave of COVID-19 pandemic in April 2020 which highlighted the existence of vigilant surveillance system of the country. The field investigation was done to confirm an outbreak and to prevent transmission by isolating the cases and vaccinating the unvaccinated children and lastly to make critical recommendations that should be applied to prevent similar outbreaks in the future.
The Coronavirus disease 2019, is a global pandemic that has brought a significant health challenge all over the world. Oman reported its first case of COVID-19 on 24 February 2020. Understanding patient characteristics and demand on the healthcare system is essential to ensuring Oman can continue to provide high quality care. The aim of this study is to describe the burden of COVID-19 and associated factors for more severe disease in Al-Buraimi Governorate, Oman. We retrieved demographic and clinical data from electronic medical records for all COVID-19 laboratory-confirmed patients in Al-Buraimi Governorate from February 1 to August 31, 2020. We assessed the factors for hospitalization and outcome (recovery/death) using descriptive statistics, chi-square test/fisher exact test, spearman’s correlation, and multivariable logistic regression model in Epi info 7, Microsoft excel and SPSS software (p ≤ 0.05 significance level). A total of 977 COVID-19 patients were identified, with a prevalence rate of 8.4 per 1000 in Al-Buraimi Governorate. The male: female ratio was 3.1:1. Of COVID-19 patients, 11.7% were hospitalized, and 1.5% died. Diabetes (12.2%) and hypertension (10.8%) were the most prevalent chronic conditions among COVID-19 patients. Older patients (>60 years old) and those with comorbidities (chronic kidney disease, diabetes, heart disease, hypertension) were prone to hospitalization (p <0.001), intensive care (p <0.001), and death (p <0.001). Multivariate logistic regression analysis found that these risk factors were significantly associated with hospital admission (OR= 5.905, 95% CI 3.923–8.889; p <0.001), ICU admission (OR= 4.363, 95% CI 1.952–9.750; p <0.001), and death (OR= 6.785, 95% CI 2.295–20.062; p<0.001). A higher incidence of cases were observed among men and Omanis. Public health messaging for COVID-19 prevention should be tailored to inform these groups to slow the spread. Our findings are consistent with other studies, and local healthcare providers should be informed of the risk for severe disease among older patients and those with comorbidities, importance of early diagnosis, and prompt treatment.
scite is a Brooklyn-based organization that helps researchers better discover and understand research articles through Smart Citations–citations that display the context of the citation and describe whether the article provides supporting or contrasting evidence. scite is used by students and researchers from around the world and is funded in part by the National Science Foundation and the National Institute on Drug Abuse of the National Institutes of Health.
customersupport@researchsolutions.com
10624 S. Eastern Ave., Ste. A-614
Henderson, NV 89052, USA
This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.
Copyright © 2025 scite LLC. All rights reserved.
Made with 💙 for researchers
Part of the Research Solutions Family.