Characterization of a cluster of COVID-19 cases linked to the Omicron variant, in Mauritania
Abstract
Objective: To describe the epidemiological and genomic profile of COVID-19 during the 4th epidemic wave in Mauritania.
Methods: This is a cross-sectional study in Mauritania, from October 1, 2021 to February 28, 2022. Were included all people in the process
of travel, performing an RT-PCR, at the level of the National Research Institute in Public Health and patients who have been sampled for
sequencing by teams from the Department of Strategic Information and Epidemiological Surveillance.
Results: Out of 37,574 RT-PCR tests collected on March 3, 2022, during the study period, 1,465 cases were diagnosed positive for COVID-19
(3.9%), with an average age of 39±14,6 years and a sex ratio of 2.08. Of the 112 genomic sequences performed, 75 were of the Omicron
variant (66.9%). The average age was 40±15 years, with extremes of 15 to 82 years and a sex ratio of 0.97. The vaccination status was
assured in 67.7% of patients and the peak of the Omicron variant was reached during the first week of January 2022
Conclusion: The Omicron variant was predominant during the 4th wave in Mauritania. As part of its response plan against COVID-19, the installation
of new sequencing units inside the country and the strengthening of the training of technicians in the virology laboratory will be essential.
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