Control of COVID-19 in Rural Area: An Evidence-based Strategy

• Published in: Journal of health sciences and surveillance system Vol. 10; no. 3; pp. 376 - 379
• Main Authors: Mohammad Khammarnia, Seyed Mohammad Hashemi-Shahri, Alireza Ansari-Moghaddam, Seyed Mehdi Tabatabaei, Ali Naghizadeh, Mohammadhadi Abbasi, Seyed Mohammad Nasiruddin Tabatabaei, Fatemeh Setoodehzadeh, Mehdi Zangane Bayegi, Majid Sartipi
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Shiraz University of Medical Sciences 01.07.2022
• Subjects: covid-19; intersectoral collaboration; quarantine; rural health
• ISSN: 2345-2218; 2345-3893
• DOI: 10.30476/jhsss.2021.91933.1262

Background: COVID-19 has become a global problem. In this case study, the experiences gained from disease control in rural areas are reported. Methods: An observational study was done in 2020 in Sistan and Balochestan, the largest province with most rural areas in the southeast of Iran. Results: After identification of the first patient of Covid-19 in a rural area, three measures were taken including: 1. Diagnosis, screening and treatment of the disease (Incident command post was established and the village was completely quarantined, etc.; 2. Intersectoral coordination for epidemiological management (limiting traffic for people and any gathering); and 3. Identification of any Covid-19 positive cases. The results of these measures showed that after quarantining the village and performing the mentioned actions, the number of patients decreased, and the disease was controlled. Conclusion: Quarantine of the contaminated rural area and people’s traffic routes is one of the most important measures in controlling Covid-19.