ABSTRACT

Introduction: On 9 January 2020, China Center for Disease prevention and Control (CDC) reported a novel coronavirus, Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome-Corona Virus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) as the causative agent of an outbreak of pneumonia cases first reported in Wuhan, China.

Several countries including Ethiopia have demonstrated that an approach of aggressive case-finding and contact tracing can be an effective measure in helping to control the spread of Corona Virus Disease 19 (Covid-19).

Objective: To describe reported Corona Virus Disease 19 (Covid-19) cases and their Contacts to enable response activities of the Pandemic in Somali region from May 10 to May 31, 2020GC.

Methods: Corona Virus Disease 19 (Covid-19) Surveillance data record was reviewed in Somali regional Health Bureau from May 10 to May 31, 2020GC. Somali region had 84 entrance points, 10 isolation centers, five treatment centers and one laboratory for Corona Virus Disease 19 (CoViD-19). The Surveillance data were reviewed using standard checklist/Format that was developed by Ethiopian Public Health Institute (EPHI). Data were processed and analyzed by Microsoft Office Excel 2010.

Result: A total of 75 confirmed Corona Virus Disease 19 (CoViD-19) cases had been reported by Somali regional health bureau from May 10 to May 31, 2020GC. Out of 75 Corona Virus Disease 19 (Covid-19) cases reported, only 8 (11%) had history of close contact with confirmed cases and 67 (89%) reported as Unknown history of contact. Seventy two of the cases (96%) had travel history within the last 14 days of confirmation and 3 cases (4%) had no travel history within the last 14 days of confirmation. Most of the cases were imported from Somalia and Somaliland (67, 89%) and asymptomatic (67, 89%). Similarly, most of the cases were males (58, 77%); age group of 15-24 years (54, 72%) and daily laborer (73, 97%).

Somali regional health bureau had reported 123 Contacts of 36 Corona Virus Disease 19 cases that had given contacts to Case ratio of 3.4:1. Nearly, all of the contacts (97%, 120) were Close contacts.

Conclusion: Greater numbers of the Corona Virus Disease 19 cases were imported from Somalia and Somaliland; and asymptomatic. Males, age group of 15-24 years and daily laborer were most frequently reported cases. Somali Regional Health Bureau and all of the stake holders should prevent importing of cases. Precautions of Corona Virus Disease 19 should be strengthened by the communities.