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2023 Vol. 5, No. 18

Preplanned Studies
The Associated Factors of SARS-CoV-2 Reinfection by Omicron Variant — Guangdong Province, China, December 2022 to January 2023
Chunsheng Cai, Yihong Li, Ting Hu, Rongwei Liang, Kaibin Wang, Congrui Guo, Yan Li, Meng Zhang, Min Kang
2023, 5(18): 391-396. doi: 10.46234/ccdcw2023.075
Abstract(9620) HTML (208) PDF 258KB(122)
Abstract:
What is already known about this topic?

Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) reinfection by variants is being reported commonly and has caused waves of epidemic in many countries. Because of dynamic zero policy, the SARS-CoV-2 reinfection was less reported in China.

What is added by this report?

SARS-CoV-2 reinfections were observed in Guangdong Province between December 2022 and January 2023. This study estimated that the reinfection incidence was 50.0% for the original strain primary infections, 35.2% for the Alpha or Delta variants, and 18.4% for the Omicron variant; The reinfection incidence within 3-6 months after primary infection by Omicron variant was 4.0%. Besides, 96.2% reinfection cases were symptomatic while only 7.7% sought medical attention.

What are the implications for public health practice?

These findings suggest a reduced likelihood of an Omicron-driven epidemic resurgence in the short term but emphasize the importance of maintaining vigilant surveillance of emerging SARS-CoV-2 variants and conducting population-based antibody level surveys to inform response preparedness.

Timing and Magnitude of the Second Wave of the COVID-19 Omicron Variant — 189 Countries and Territories, November 2021 to February 2023
Beidi Niu, Shuyi Ji, Shi Zhao, Hao Lei
2023, 5(18): 397-401. doi: 10.46234/ccdcw2023.076
Abstract(9056) HTML (149) PDF 339KB(53)
Abstract:
What is already known about this topic?

The first nationwide wave of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), driven by the Omicron variant, has largely subsided. However, subsequent epidemic waves are inevitable due to waning immunity and the ongoing evolution of the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2.

What is added by this report?

Insights gleaned from other nations offer guidance regarding the timing and scale of potential subsequent waves of COVID-19 in China.

What are the implications for public health practice?

Understanding the timing and magnitude of subsequent waves of COVID-19 in China is crucial for forecasting and mitigating the spread of the infection.

The Infection of Healthcare Workers and the Reinfection of Patients by Omicron Variant — Jiangsu Province, China, December 2022 to January 2023
Chuanmeng Zhang, Ting Guo, Lei Zhang, Aiqin Gu, Jun Ye, Mei Lin, Ming Chu, Fengcai Zhu, Li Zhu
2023, 5(18): 402-406. doi: 10.46234/ccdcw2023.074
Abstract(9838) HTML (263) PDF 375KB(45)
Abstract:
What is already known about this topic?

Healthcare workers (HCWs) and previously infected patients (PIPs) may experience a wave of epidemic following the modification of the country’s coronavirus disease (COVID)-zero policy in China.

What is added by this report?

As of early January 2023, the initial wave of the COVID-19 pandemic among HCWs had effectively subsided, with no statistically significant differences observed in infection rates compared to those of their co-occupants. The proportion of reinfections among PIPs was relatively low, particularly in those with recent infections.

What are the implications for public health practice?

Medical and health services have resumed normal operations. For patients who have recently experienced severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infections, appropriate relaxation of policies may be considered.

Methods and Applications
Collective and Individual Assessment of the Risk of Death from COVID-19 for the Elderly, 2020–2022
Chaobao Zhang, Hongzhi Wang, Zilu Wen, Zhijun Bao, Xiangqi Li
2023, 5(18): 407-412. doi: 10.46234/ccdcw2023.077
Abstract(5386) HTML (131) PDF 1603KB(111)
Abstract:
Introduction

Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) has had profound disruptions worldwide. For a population or individual, it is critical to assess the risk of death for making preventative decisions.

Methods

In this study, clinical data from approximately 100 million cases were statistically analyzed. A software and an online assessment tool were developed in Python to evaluate the risk of mortality.

Results

Our analysis revealed that 76.51% of COVID-19-related fatalities occurred among individuals aged over 65 years, with frailty-associated deaths accounting for more than 80% of these cases. Furthermore, over 80% of the reported deaths involved unvaccinated individuals. A notable overlap was observed between aging and frailty-associated deaths, both of which were connected to underlying health conditions. For those with at least two comorbidities, the proportion of frailty and the proportion of COVID-19-related death were both close to 75 percent. Subsequently, we established a formula to calculate the number of deaths, which was validated using data from twenty countries and regions. Using this formula, we developed and verified an intelligent software designed to predict the death risk for a given population. To facilitate rapid risk screening on an individual level, we also introduced a six-question online assessment tool.

Conclusions

This study examined the impact of underlying diseases, frailty, age, and vaccination history on COVID-19-related mortality, resulting in a sophisticated software and a user-friendly online scale to assess mortality risk. These tools offer valuable assistance in informed decision-making.