Open AccessTransmission of COVID-19 in Public and Private Schools in Benghazi, Libya: 13th -28th February 2021
Author(s) -
Naeima Houssein,
Alsalihin Majeed,
Emad Amkhatirha,
Abdelghffar F. Abdelghffar,
Asma Mustafa,
Houssain Ali
Publication year - 2021
Publication title -
asian journal of research in infectious diseases
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
ISSN - 2582-3221
DOI - 10.9734/ajrid/2021/v7i130208
Subject(s) - covid-19 , test (biology) , medicine , transmission (telecommunications) , epidemiology , public health , family medicine , sample (material) , cross sectional study , environmental health , virology , nursing , pathology , disease , outbreak , paleontology , chemistry , chromatography , infectious disease (medical specialty) , electrical engineering , biology , engineering
The aim of the present study was to provide a national estimate for transmission of COVID-19 Cases in public and private schools in Benghazi city in the Eastern region of Libya. A multistage procedure was followed to obtain a representative sample of students and teaching staffs at randomly selected schools across the Eastern region of Libya. The resultant sample consisted of 101 schools, 808 students, and 202 staff members. Data were collected on age, sex, class, and symptoms of COVID19. Rapid antigen test was performed as a diagnostic test for SARS-CoV-2 to detect the presence of a viral antigen. Specimen was taken from the upper nasopharyngeal swab. Out of 808 students tested, 5 specimens were positive. Every positive rapid antigen test was further confirmed by PCR test. All Specimens taken from staff members were negative. This survey highlights epidemiological concern on COVID-19 among students and staff members in school setting in Benghazi. Implementation and compliance with prevention measures are crucial.