COVID-19 incidence in seven territorial entities of Colombia, 2020 - 2021

Abstract

Introduction: The coronavirus pandemic has its origins in China. On March 11, 2020, the World Health Organization (WHO) determined in its evaluation that COVID-19 can be characterized as a pandemic. In Colombia, the first case was detected on March 6, 2020. This study aims to characterize the territorial entities most affected at the beginning of the pandemic.

Materials and methods: A crosssectional study was carried out. The data analyzed were extracted from the official databases of the National Institute of Health (INS) and the Integrated Information System of Social Protection (SISPRO) data cube. The study period was from March 6, 2020 (the date of the first case of COVID-19 reported in Colombia) and January 31, 2021. The daily and cumulative incidence of morbidity per 1 000 inhabitants was calculated, Specific rates were calculated by sex and age. These calculations were made for the territorial entities that presented the highest number of cases at the beginning of the pandemic, Cartagena, Barranquilla and Bogotá districts, and Amazonas, Antioquia, San Andrés Islas and Valle del Cauca departments.

Results: Regarding the incidence of morbidity, Bogotá is in first place with 7 892,3 per 100 000 inhabitants. The prevalence in the age groups is higher between 25 to 29 years, predominates among the female sex.

Conclusions: There is evidence of a higher rate of contagion in the age groups of 25 to 39 in this age group, therefore, it is it is important to create specific prevention and early detection policies.