| خلاصه مقاله | Background and Aim: Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2) was first identified in people who visited the Huanan seafood market in Wuhan, China. Subsequently, the infection was transmitted by travelers to all world countries, including Iran. In the country, the primary foci of the infection were observed in Qom and Gilan provinces. The disease quickly spread to all provinces, driven by inter-provincial travel. By April 13, 2024, 7627186 individuals had been infected and 146811 had died in the country. These indicate the high transmission rate of the pathogen. Consequently, insufficient focus on this disease could precipitate its rapid transmission, potentially escalating the incidence of new cases and augmenting mortality rates, causing a new peak of the disease in the country.
Methods: Between November 1, 2020, and December 30, 2023, a comprehensive analysis of 150 scholarly articles was conducted. These articles were identified using the keywords ‘SARS-CoV-2,’ ‘COVID-19,’ ‘transmission,’ ‘asymptomatic,’ ‘social gatherings,’ and ‘social distancing.’ From this selection, 36 articles were deemed pertinent, and their insights were integrated into the development of this article.
Results: Some individuals contracted the infection through direct contact with symptomatic patients within densely populated medical facilities. However, a significant proportion of transmissions occurred via asymptomatic carriers in highly congested environments. In this context, public transportation systems, particularly buses and subways, were instrumental in facilitating pathogen dissemination. Additionally, cultural events such as Nowruz celebrations, along with densely packed markets, coffee shops, and funerals, contributed to an accelerated propagation of the infection.
Conclusion: In conclusion, our study highlights the critical role of asymptomatic carriers and public gatherings in the rapid spread of SARS-CoV-2. Effective social distancing measures and public awareness are paramount to mitigate transmission. These measures are essential to avert subsequent waves of infection and safeguard public health. |