COVID-19 Infection: More Epidemiologic Data from Outside Wuhan

Since the first reports of severe respiratory syndrome COVID-19, caused by the 2019 novel coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2), more data are rapidly emerging as the epidemic continues to expand, predominantly in China but also globally.

The latest case series describes 62 patients (58% male; median age, 41) diagnosed between January 10 and 26, 2020, with polymerase chain reaction–confirmed SARS-CoV-2 infection in seven hospitals in Zhejiang province in eastern China, approximately 600 km southeast of Wuhan. None of the patients had visited the seafood market in Wuhan that was epidemiologically linked to the first reported cases, but all were secondary infections, having been exposed to individuals with confirmed SARS-CoV-2 infection. Of the 62 patients, 32% had underlying diseases and 53% showed symptoms for >10 days. Among 56 patients with known exposure date, median incubation period was 4 days. Fever, cough, and myalgia or fatigue occurred in 77%, 81% and 52%, respectively. Virtually all patients showed abnormalities on chest imaging. Most (89%) received antiviral treatment, predominantly lopinavir/ritonavir alone or in combination with α-interferon, Arbidol (umifenovir), or both. Antibiotics and corticosteroids were given to 45% and 26%, respectively. Only one patient needed intensive care with mechanical ventilation. No deaths occurred as of the report.