Contact tracing as a measure to combat COVID-19 and other infectious diseases

Abstract

Background: Most of the mathematical modeling studies on COVID-19 transmission are based on continuous deterministic models that do not consider the characteristics of social network. Methods: The effect of contact tracing on mitigating COVID-19, and other infectious diseases in general, is studied in a small-world network. This network has its advantages over the commonly used continuous deterministic mathematical models in that the characteristics of social networks can be properly incorporated. Results: Simulation results show that for the original strain of SARS-CoV-2, contact tracing can play an important role to reduce and delay the peak daily new cases. New cases can be reduced by using symptom onset to isolate tracked individuals, but the benefit can be greatly enhanced by testing asymptomatic and pre-symptomatic individuals on the 6th to 8th day of infection. For the delta variant, or other variants of much higher infectivity, contact tracing alone cannot significantly lower the number of daily new cases but is able to delay the peaks greatly, thus affording more time to explore and implement pharmaceutical interventions. Conclusions: Contact tracing can be a very powerful tool to combat COVID-19 caused by the original strain or any variant of SARS-CoV-2. In order to make contact tracing effective, every effort is needed to expand the pool of contact tracing and provide all necessary support to the self-quarantined.

Twin combination of Omicron and Delta variants triggering a tsunami wave of ever high surges in COVID‐19 cases: A challenging global threat with a special focus on the Indian subcontinent

“…proactive and targeted control measures to counter this newer variant having the substantial advantage of speedy transmission, and also the Delta variant needs to be given the top priority at the global level amid the ongoing pandemic. 11,26,33,[39][40][41][42][43][44][45][46][47][48][49]…”

“…In conclusion, rapid detection, genomic surveillance, and evolutionary dynamics studies should be carried out at an enhanced pace along with contact tracing of variants, gaining more knowledge on this variant (Omicron) along with updating the current COVID‐19 vaccines, developing second‐generation vaccines, ramping up of vaccination drives with incorporating booster shots, finding out treatable options from a drug developer's perspective as well as strengthening and strict implementation of adequate mitigation and proactive and targeted control measures to counter this newer variant having the substantial advantage of speedy transmission, and also the Delta variant needs to be given the top priority at the global level amid the ongoing pandemic. 11 , 26 , 33 , 39 , 40 , 41 , 42 , 43 , 44 , 45 , 46 , 47 , 48 , 49 …”

Comprehensive Review of COVID-19: Symptoms, Diagnosis, and Management

“…Contact tracing is a crucial public health strategy used to control the spread of infectious diseases like COVID-19 [72][73][74][75]. When someone tests positive for the virus, public health officials work to identify and notify individuals who have been in close contact with the infected person during the time they may have been contagious.…”

Evaluating the Added Value of Digital Contact Tracing Support Tools for Citizens: Framework Development

“…One of the most essential strategies to help mitigate the spread of infectious diseases is contact tracing (CT) [ 1 ], which was the driving strategy leading to the global eradication of smallpox and is still used to control the transmission of infectious diseases, such as the regularly resurging Ebola [ 2 ]. Studies conducted during the COVID-19 pandemic have also shown CT to be effective in preventing a substantial number of new infections [ 3 , 4 ]. CT traditionally consists of 3 phases: identification (first phase) and notification (second phase) of the contacts of individuals with COVID-19 and monitoring the health (third phase) of individuals with COVID-19 and their contacts.…”