SARS-CoV-2 virus outbreak and the emergency public health measures in Bosnia and Herzegovina: January - July, 2020.
Between March 5 and July 25, 2020, the total number of SARS-CoV-2 confirmed cases in Bosnia and Herzegovina (BH) was 10 090 corresponding to a cumulative incidence rate of 285.7 per 100 000 population. Demographic and clinical information on all the cases along with exposure and contact information was collected using a standardized case report form. In suspected SARS-CoV-2 cases, respiratory specimens were collected and tested by real-time reverse-transcriptase polymerase chain reaction (rRT-PCR) assay. The dynamic of the outbreak was summarized using epidemiological curves, instantaneous reproduction number Rt and interactive choropleth maps for geographical distribution and spread. The rate of hospitalization was 14.0% (790/5646) in Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina (FBH) and 6.2% (267/4299) in Republic of Srpska (RS). The death rate was 2.2% (122/5646) in FBH and 3.6% in the RS (155/4299). After the authorities lifted mandatory quarantine restrictions, the basic reproduction number increased from 1.13 on May, the 20th to 1.72 on May the 31st. The outbreak concerns both entities, Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina and Republika Srpska, and it is more pronounced in those aged 20-44 years. It is important to develop the communication and emergency plan for the SARS-CoV-2 outbreak in BH, including the mechanisms to allow the ongoing notification and updates at the national level.