Migrant Workers with SARS-COV-2 Detected after Departure in September 2020

DOI: 10.6525/TEB.202204_38(8).0001

Ming-Hsiao Kuo1*, Kung-Chin Wang1, Fu-Chun Chen1, Chih-Wen Wu1, Ching-Fen Ko1, Pei-Fang Lai2, Tu-Ling Lin1
 

2022 Vol.38 NO.8

Correspondence Author: Ming-Hsiao Kuo1*

  • 1Central Regional Center, Centers for Disease Control, Ministry of Health and Welfare, Taiwan
  • 2Chronic Infectious Diseases Section, Centers for Disease Control, Ministry of Health and Welfare, Taiwan

Abstract:

        Taiwan Center for Disease Control received notifications from 2 companies that 4 migrant workers had tested positive for SARS-CoV-2 after returning to the Philippines in September 2020. After investigation, the 4 Filipino workers did not know each other, nor did they live or work together. A total of 122 contacts were listed. The results of the nasopharyngeal swabs polymerase chain reaction test for SARS-CoV-2 were all negative. The health status of all employees in the two companies was monitored until September 25 and October 6, respectively. During this period, no employees had COVID-19 symptoms, thus the COVID-19 cluster was ruled out.
        This investigation faced many challenges, such as limited information from the Filipino government, the suspect case workers’  reluctance to respond to our investigation, and poor communication. The investigation relied on the collaboration between public health and the overseas manpower agency. This article describes the investigation of the suspected COVID-19 cluster and provides experience for managing similar situations in the future.