Characteristics of COVID-19 Cases in Baghdad and Al-Rusafa, Iraq

Abstract

This study aims to identify the characteristics of COVID-19 cases associated with infection including socio-demographic background and the source of infection. We performed a descriptive cross-sectional study design including a total of 5959 suspected COVID-19 cases. People attending primary health care centers and general hospitals in Baghdad /Al-Rusafa DOH were included. An active survey for the tracing of the contacts of positive cases tracing was done from the beginning of the outbreak, and active surveillance and rapid tests were performed from 18/4/2020. Data was obtained from the surveillance unit at Baghdad/ Al-Rusafa DOH during the study period. Up to 29/5/2020, we identified 5959 suspected cases were 5959, 333 probable cases, and 1658 confirmed cases. Of the confirmed cases, 577 cases recovered and 64 died. Regarding age group, 40% of cases were between 41 and-60 years old. Males represented 57% of cases.  All districts registered cases and the highest incidence rate (68 per 100,000 inhabitants) was in Al-Sadder city district. Like many countries around the world, Iraq has reported cases of COVID-19, and the number of cases was rising with increasing pace in Iraqi provinces including Baghdad. In the absence of a vaccine available and with little evidence of the effectiveness of therapeutic agents, a rapid, proactive, and comprehensive approach is essential in order to control imported cases, contain local transmission, and strengthen the national surveillance system.