COVID-19 reinfection in Afghanistan: A descriptive analysis of data from DHIS2, 2022

Razia Soltany; Mir Salamuddin Hakim; Khwaja Mir Islam Saeed; Shoaib Naeemi

doi:10.60141/AJID/V.2.I.1.4

Authors

Razia Soltany Afghanistan National Public Health Institute (ANPHI|) https://orcid.org/0009-0001-6553-8165
Mir Salamuddin Hakim Afghanistan Field Epidemiology Training Program https://orcid.org/0000-0001-9494-6507
Khwaja Mir Islam Saeed Afghanistan Field Epidemiology Training Program https://orcid.org/0000-0002-8799-4604
Shoaib Naeemi Afghanistan Field Epidemiology Training Program https://orcid.org/0000-0002-8094-601X

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.60141/AJID/V.2.I.1.4

Keywords:

COVID-19, Reinfection, Afghanistan, DHIS2

Abstract

Background: Despite millions of COVID-19 infections worldwide since the beginning of the pandemic, relatively few confirmed cases of COVID-19 reinfection have been reported. In Afghanistan, COVID-19 undetected cases are more than detected cases. This study aims to describe the burden of COVID-19 reinfection cases in Afghanistan, along with the epidemiological and demographical patterns.

Methods: A descriptive study of national-wide secondary data on COVID-19 reinfection cases was carried out from January to June 2022. Data were extracted from the District Health Information Software 2 (DHIS2) and managed and analyzed using Microsoft Excel and Epi Info V.7.2.1.

Results: In 2022, 79 reinfection cases of COVID-19 were reported, with males being more affected than females. The mean age of re-infected patients was 39, with most from Wardak province. Most cases occurred within six months after the primary infection. Cough was more prevalent among reinfected cases. Only 26 patients had taken two doses of the vaccine, while 44 (55.70%) had not received it. Out of all cases, 44 (55.70%) were recovered and 5 (6.85%) died.

Conclusion: The COVID-19 reinfection rate is very low in Afghanistan, which was common in males since other cases might be unreported. Coughing was more common among reinfection patients. Relying on the results, vaccination and awareness-raising may play a protective role in reinfection; hence, enhancement of vaccination and taking preventive measures are recommended to prevent further reinfection.

Author Biographies

Razia Soltany, Afghanistan National Public Health Institute (ANPHI|)

BSPH, FETP Alumnus, Afghanistan National Public Health Institute (ANPHI|), Kabul, Afghanistan.

Mir Salamuddin Hakim, Afghanistan Field Epidemiology Training Program

Afghanistan Field Epidemiology Training Program, Kabul, Afghanistan.

Khwaja Mir Islam Saeed, Afghanistan Field Epidemiology Training Program

Afghanistan Field Epidemiology Training Program, Kabul, Afghanistan.

Shoaib Naeemi, Afghanistan Field Epidemiology Training Program

Afghanistan Field Epidemiology Training Program, Kabul, Afghanistan.

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