Epidemiological characteristics of COVID-19 cases in Qianjiang / 公共卫生与预防医学

ABSTRACT

Objective To confirm the epidemiological characteristics of coronavirus disease COVID-19 reported in Qianjiang city and provide a scientific basis for establishing and implementing effective infection prevention and control. Methods The cases of COVID-19 reported in Qianjiang were retrospectively collected and the epidemiological characteristics, including time, spatial and population distribution, clinical symptoms and exposure history, were analyzed using descriptive epidemiological method. Results A total of 198 confirmed cases of COVID-19, including 102 imported cases, were reported in Qianjiang city by March 31, 2020. Of the 198 patients, 9 died, and 189 were discharged. The male-to-female ratio was 1.2:1. Among the reported patients, most of the patients were aged 30-69. In the early stage, only imported cases were reported, subsequently, imported cases and local cases were prevalent together, and the peak of confirmed cases was appeared on February 15, 2020. Among the clinical types for admitted diagnosis, the common type (67.17%) was dominant, and fever (82.83%) and cough (67.17%) were the predominant clinical manifestations for primary diagnosis. The median time from illness onset to first visit was 3 days, the median time from first visit to confirmed diagnosis was 7 days, and the median interval from illness onset to diagnosis was 11 days. Conclusions With comprehensive measures taken, the pandemic of COVID-19 in Qianjiang have been brought under control. However, it is necessary to be alert to the potential risks brought by the resumption of work, production, education, as well as the outbound imported cases. Various prevention and control measures should continue to be strictly implemented.