Epidemiologic characteristics of the COVID-19 pandemic during its first year in Honduras

Abstract

Introduction: The purpose of the study was to describe the epidemiologic characteristics of COVID-19 cases and deaths during the first year of the COVID-19 pandemic in Honduras.  Population and Methods: We carried a descriptive analysis of the public health surveillance data on COVID-19 cases and deaths reported to the Secretary of Health of Honduras during March 10, 2020, to March 10, 2021. We calculated risk ratios (RR) and its 95% confidence Interval (CI). Results: A total of 175,271 confirmed COVID-19 cases were reported (reported risk of 1,883.7 cases per 100,000). The highest morbidity risk occurred among those 40+ years and there were no differences by gender. The COVID-19 mortality was 46.4 per 100,000 and its patterns were different: mortality drastically increased by age, reaching its peak among those 80+ years, who experienced 539.7 times the mortality of those under 20 years (RR = 539.7; 95% CI = 390.6, 745.7). The risk of mortality among males was 1.7 times that of females (RR = 1.7, 95% CI = 1.6, 1.8). The occurrence of morbidity and mortality was highest in municipalities of large urban centers, and those where tourist attractions are located. The vast majority of COVID-19 deaths (70.6%) occurred among persons with comorbidities. Discussion: In Honduras the highest risk of COVID-19 was experienced by older adults, particularly those with comorbidities. Preventive measures were directed to these high-risk groups and geographic areas identified in the study.