Distribution and Trend of COVID-19 Cases and Death among Population in Northeast Malaysia in 2021

Abstract

Objective: The COVID-19 infection has been widely spread since it was first declared as a pandemic in late 2019. The trend of COVID-19 cases and death varies across regions. The study sought to describe the distribution and trend of COVID-19 cases and death in the Northeast Malaysia region for 2021

Material and methods: This study analyzed data on COVID-19 infection cases and death in 2021 from the COVID-19 surveillance database (eCOVID system). Confirmed COVID-19 cases and death in Bachok, Kelantan from 1 January 2021 until 31 October 2021 were included in the study. Descriptive analysis of trend and distribution of COVID-19 cases and deaths were conducted using R software.  

Results: A total of 8384 and 151 COVID-19 cases and death were respectively recorded between the study period. Age less than thirty (34%), females (57%), unemployment (44%), clinical category 2 (86%), and unvaccinated individuals (47%) contributed mostly to COVID-19 cases. Meanwhile, only the age category more than 50 (51-60: 22%, 61-70: 30%, > 70: 36%) contributed most to the COVID-19 deaths in Bachok, Kelantan. The COVID-19 cases and deaths peaked in August 2021.

Conclusions: The distribution and trend of COVID-19 cases and death vary across different sociodemographic categories and echoed the national and global trends, respectively.