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Published on: November 10, 2023
Epidemiologic character of COVID-19 in Kazakhstan: A preliminary report
Saule Maukayeva1, Saya Karimova1
1Department of Infectious Diseases and immunology, Semey Kalasy Memlekettik Meditsina University, Ringgold Standard Institution, Semey, Kazakhstan.
Insights
Kazakhstan implemented preventive measures for COVID-19 early. The first cases of Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) were recorded in March 2020, with most cases being mild and children experiencing less severe symptoms.
Area of Science:
- Epidemiology
- Infectious Diseases
- Public Health
Background:
- The emergence of Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19), caused by Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2), in Wuhan, China, prompted early preventive measures in Kazakhstan due to its proximity.
- Kazakhstan initiated four phases of respiratory infection control measures starting January 6, 2020, in response to the global pandemic.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the epidemiological characteristics of the initial COVID-19 cases in Kazakhstan.
- To review the preparedness and effectiveness of infection control and prevention procedures implemented in the country.
Main Methods:
- Data on confirmed COVID-19 cases from March 13 to April 6, 2020, were collected from the Sanitary Epidemiological Service.
- Analysis included age, gender, place of residence, infection severity, geographical distribution, and demographic groups.
Main Results:
- The first COVID-19 case in Kazakhstan was recorded on March 13, 2020.
- A total of 629 cases were documented by April 6, 2020, with 45 recoveries and 6 deaths.
- The majority of cases (85%) were mild or asymptomatic, 11.5% were moderate, and 3.5% were severe. Children constituted 7.5% of cases and experienced mild illness.
Conclusions:
- COVID-19 cases are increasing in Kazakhstan, mirroring trends in other nations.
- Continued strict implementation of respiratory infection control measures in public and healthcare settings remains critical.
Objective:
Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19), named the etiological agent of Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2) has recently emerged in Wuhan City, Hubei Province, China, in December 2019. Kazakhstan's border proximity to China has led to preventive measures in the country since January. This study aims to evaluate the epidemiologic characters of the first recorded cases in Kazakhstan.
Methods:
Here, we reviewed the preparedness of the infection control and prevention procedures in Kazakhstan and evaluated the epidemiological characters of confirmed cases in Kazakhstan. The data for COVID-19 cases recorded from March 13 to April 6, 2020, were obtained from the Sanitary Epidemiological Service. Age, gender and their living place were recorded. The severity of infection, geographical distribution, gender and age group of cases were analyzed.
Results:
Four phases of preventive measures used in respiratory infections have been implemented in Kazakhstan since January 6, 2020. The first case was recorded on March 13. During the period of March 13 and April 06, 629 cases with COVID-19 were recorded in Kazakhstan. Of these, 45 patients recovered, six had resulted in death; 535 (85%) of cases were mild and/or asymptomatic, 72 (11.5%) - moderate, 22 (3.5%) - severe. Of these, 7.5% of the cases were registered as children and course was mild.
Conclusion:
The cases are increasing in Kazakhstan as seen in other countries. Currently, the strict implication of respiratory infection control measurement in public and health care services are still very important.
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