Statistical scenarios of COVID-19 in Honduras: analysis from the business intelligence and data transparency perspective

Abstract

Introduction: Official data on COVID-19 in Honduras is published daily by the government via the National Risk Management System (SINAGER). Method: Data was curated manually, correcting for frequent inconsistencies by consulting primary sources (health system and municipalities). Business Intelligence tools were used for data modeling and visualization using Power BI Desktop. Results: As of August 28, 2020, there were 58,810 cases confirmed by RT-PCR, average age of 39.8 years (range 21-40 years), 53% were men. Interestingly, 28.6% of all cases were reported in August, extemporary by several weeks late due to laboratory limitations. There were 1,827 deaths from COVID-19, average age of 62.4 years, 65% were men, 48% were between 51 to 70 years of age; 33.1% of all cases and 36.2% of deaths were from the Department of Cortés, followed by Francisco Morazán and progressively increasing in other departments. Discussion: Only 1.5% of the population has undergone RT-PCR. As of August 28, the number of cases was reduced by 24.4%, but associated with 29.2% reduction in lab testings done, compared to previous months. The positivity rate in August (45.5%) is the highest in Central America. Conclusion: Despite limited access to RT-PCR, official data on COVID-19 in Honduras shows an ascending curve in August, expanding into the rural regions. We propone to give access to open data of higher quality and to innovate with business intelligence to fight this pandemic.