ABSTRACT
Background Olfactory impairment is a major symptom of COVID-19. Is it necessary for COVID-19 patients to perform the detection of olfactory function, even how to select the olfactory psychophysical assessment tool. Methods Patients infected with SARS-CoV-2 Delta variant were firstly taken into three categories (mild, moderate, and severe) according to the clinical classification. The Odor Stick Identification Test for the Japanese (OSIT-J) and the Simple Olfactory Test were used to assess olfactory function. Moreover, these patients were divided into three groups based on the results of the olfactory degree (euosmia, hyposmia, and dysosmia), too. The statistical analysis of the correlations between olfaction and clinical characteristics of patients were performed. Results Our study demonstrated that the elderly men of Han were more susceptible to infected SARS-CoV-2, the clinical symptoms of the COVID-19 patients showed a clear correspondence with the disease type and the degree of olfactory disturbance. Whether or not to vaccinate and whether to complete the whole course of vaccination was closely related to the patient's condition. OSIT-J Test and Simple Test were consistent in our work, indicating that olfactory grading would worsen with the aggravation of symptoms. Furthermore, the OSIT-J method maybe better than Simple Olfactory Test. Conclusion The vaccination has an important protective effect on the general population, and vaccination should be vigorously promoted. Moreover, it is necessary for COVID-19 patients to perform the detection of olfactory function, and the easier, faster and less expensive method for determination of olfactory function should be utilized to COVID-19 patients as the vital physical examination.
ABSTRACT
Background: Olfactory impairment is a major symptom of COVID-19. Is it necessary for COVID-19 patients to perform the detection of olfactory function, even how to select the olfactory psychophysical assessment tool. Methods: Patients infected with SARS-CoV-2 Delta variant were firstly taken into three categories (mild, moderate, and severe) according to the clinical classification. The Odor Stick Identification Test for the Japanese (OSIT-J) and the Simple Olfactory Test were used to assess olfactory function. Moreover, these patients were divided into three groups based on the results of the olfactory degree (euosmia, hyposmia, and dysosmia), too. The statistical analysis of the correlations between olfaction and clinical characteristics of patients were performed. Results: Our study demonstrated that the elderly men of Han were more susceptible to infected SARS-CoV-2, the clinical symptoms of the COVID-19 patients showed a clear correspondence with the disease type and the degree of olfactory disturbance. Whether or not to vaccinate and whether to complete the whole course of vaccination was closely related to the patient's condition. OSIT-J Test and Simple Test were consistent in our work, indicating that olfactory grading would worsen with the aggravation of symptoms. Furthermore, the OSIT-J method maybe better than Simple Olfactory Test. Conclusion: The vaccination has an important protective effect on the general population, and vaccination should be vigorously promoted. Moreover, it is necessary for COVID-19 patients to perform the detection of olfactory function, and the easier, faster and less expensive method for determination of olfactory function should be utilized to COVID-19 patients as the vital physical examination.
ABSTRACT
In June 2021, a total of 67 infectious diseases were reported globally, affecting 225 countries and regions. Except for influenza, the top five infectious diseases affecting greatest number of countries and regions were COVID-19 (225), dengue fever (29), measles (19), poliomyelitis (12) and chikungunya (12). The top five infectious diseases with highest case fatality rates were Ebola virus disease (52.2%), Middle East respiratory syndrome (34.4%), lassa fever (20.0%), plague (11.1%) and meningitis (5.6%). The top five infectious diseases with greatest number of deaths were COVID-19, malaria, measles, dengue fever and cholera. The prevalent infectious diseases in Asia were COVID-19 and dengue fever, the prevalent infectious diseases in Africa were COVID-19, cholera, plague, yellow fever and lassa fever, the prevalent infectious diseases in America were COVID-19, dengue fever and chikungunya, the prevalent infectious disease in Europe was COVID-19.
ABSTRACT
Although close exposure to respiratory droplets from an infected patient is the main transmission route of SARS-CoV-2, touching contaminated surfaces and objects might also contribute to transmission of this virus. There are increasing reports that cold-chain food and food packages have been tested with SARS-CoV-2, raising concerns that importation of contaminated food could be a source for transmission of SARS-CoV-2. The survival of SARS-CoV-2 on cold-chain food was investigated. We found SARS-CoV-2 remained viable for more than three weeks on both beef and mutton at 4°C. Furthermore, at freezing temperature, SARS-CoV-2 can easily survive for more than eight weeks. Our study showed the ability of SARS-CoV-2 to survive for a long time on cold-chain food at low temperatures.
ABSTRACT
Background: With the spread of SARS-CoV-2 worldwide, understanding the basic epidemiological parameter values of COVID-19 from real-world data in mega-cities is essential for disease prevention and control. Methods: . To investigate the epidemiological parameters in SARS-CoV-2 infected cases in Beijing, we studied all confirmed cases and close contacts in Beijing from Jan 1st to Apr 3rd 2020. The epidemiological and virological characteristics of SARS-CoV-2 were analyzed. Results: . A total of 602 cases were positive for SARS-CoV-2, including 585 confirmed patients and 17 asymptomatic infections. The imported cases were mainly from Wuhan initially and then from abroad. Among 585 confirmed case-patients, the median age was 39 years old. The mean incubation period was 6.3 days. The secondary attack rate among households was higher than social contacts (15.6 vs 4.6%). The secondary attack rate of healthcare workers (HCWs) was higher than non-HCWs’ (7.3 vs 4.2%). The basic reproduction number was 2.0, and the average serial interval was 7.6 days. No significant genetic variant was identified. Conclusions: . The transmissibility of SARS-CoV-2 was relatively high, especially among households and from HCWs, which draws specific public health attention. So far, no evidence of widespread circulation of SARS-CoV-2 in communities in Beijing was found.
Subject(s)
COVID-19ABSTRACT
At room temperature, SARS-CoV-2 was stable on environmental surfaces and remained viable up to 7 days on smooth surfaces. This virus could survive for several hours in feces and 3-4 days in urine.