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COVID-19 in Malaysia: Descriptive Epidemiologic Characteristics of the First Wave

Author

Listed:
  • Sumarni Mohd Ghazali

    (Institute for Medical Research, Ministry of Health, Shah Alam 40170, Malaysia)

  • Sarbhan Singh

    (Institute for Medical Research, Ministry of Health, Shah Alam 40170, Malaysia)

  • Asrul Anuar Zulkifli

    (Institute for Medical Research, Ministry of Health, Shah Alam 40170, Malaysia)

  • Yoon Ling Cheong

    (Institute for Medical Research, Ministry of Health, Shah Alam 40170, Malaysia)

  • Nuur Hafizah Md Iderus

    (Institute for Medical Research, Ministry of Health, Shah Alam 40170, Malaysia)

  • Ahmed Syahmi Syafiq Md Zamri

    (Institute for Medical Research, Ministry of Health, Shah Alam 40170, Malaysia)

  • Nadhar Ahmad Jaafar

    (Institute for Medical Research, Ministry of Health, Shah Alam 40170, Malaysia)

  • Chee Herng Lai

    (Institute for Medical Research, Ministry of Health, Shah Alam 40170, Malaysia)

  • Wan Noraini Wan Mohamed Noor

    (Ministry of Health, Putrajaya 62590, Malaysia)

  • Norhayati Rusli

    (Ministry of Health, Putrajaya 62590, Malaysia)

  • Chee Kheong Chong

    (Ministry of Health, Putrajaya 62590, Malaysia)

  • Tahir Aris

    (Institute for Medical Research, Ministry of Health, Shah Alam 40170, Malaysia)

  • Hishamshah Mohd Ibrahim

    (Ministry of Health, Putrajaya 62590, Malaysia)

  • Sarat Chandra Dass

    (School of Mathematical and Computer Sciences, Heriot-Watt University, Putrajaya 62200, Malaysia)

  • Balvinder Singh Gill

    (Institute for Medical Research, Ministry of Health, Shah Alam 40170, Malaysia)

Abstract

This study aimed to describe the characteristics of COVID-19 cases and close contacts during the first wave of COVID-19 in Malaysia (23 January 2020 to 26 February 2020), and to analyse the reasons why the outbreak did not continue to spread and lessons that can be learnt from this experience. Characteristics of the cases and close contacts, spatial spread, epidemiological link, and timeline of the cases were examined. An extended SEIR model was developed using several parameters such as the average number of contacts per day per case, the proportion of close contact traced per day and the mean daily rate at which infectious cases are isolated to determine the basic reproduction number (R 0 ) and trajectory of cases. During the first wave, a total of 22 cases with 368 close contacts were traced, identified, tested, quarantine and isolated. Due to the effective and robust outbreak control measures put in place such as early case detection, active screening, extensive contact tracing, testing and prompt isolation/quarantine, the outbreak was successfully contained and controlled. The SEIR model estimated the R 0 at 0.9 which further supports the decreasing disease dynamics and early termination of the outbreak. As a result, there was a 11-day gap (free of cases) between the first and second wave which indicates that the first wave was not linked to the second wave.

Suggested Citation

  • Sumarni Mohd Ghazali & Sarbhan Singh & Asrul Anuar Zulkifli & Yoon Ling Cheong & Nuur Hafizah Md Iderus & Ahmed Syahmi Syafiq Md Zamri & Nadhar Ahmad Jaafar & Chee Herng Lai & Wan Noraini Wan Mohamed , 2022. "COVID-19 in Malaysia: Descriptive Epidemiologic Characteristics of the First Wave," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 19(7), pages 1-14, March.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jijerp:v:19:y:2022:i:7:p:3828-:d:777933
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    References listed on IDEAS

    as
    1. Balvinder Singh Gill & Vivek Jason Jayaraj & Sarbhan Singh & Sumarni Mohd Ghazali & Yoon Ling Cheong & Nuur Hafizah Md Iderus & Bala Murali Sundram & Tahir Bin Aris & Hishamshah Mohd Ibrahim & Boon Ha, 2020. "Modelling the Effectiveness of Epidemic Control Measures in Preventing the Transmission of COVID-19 in Malaysia," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 17(15), pages 1-13, July.
    2. Varvara A. Mouchtouri & Eleni P. Christoforidou & Maria an der Heiden & Cinthia Menel Lemos & Margherita Fanos & Ute Rexroth & Ulrike Grote & Evelien Belfroid & Corien Swaan & Christos Hadjichristodou, 2019. "Exit and Entry Screening Practices for Infectious Diseases among Travelers at Points of Entry: Looking for Evidence on Public Health Impact," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 16(23), pages 1-53, November.
    Full references (including those not matched with items on IDEAS)

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