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Published on: November 10, 2023
Epidemiology and clinical characteristics of 43 COVID-19 patients in Weifang, China
Qingxiu Wang1, Shiliang Zheng2, Wei Tan3
1Department of Infection Management, Affiliated Hospital of Weifang Medical University, Weifang, China.
Insights
The study found that most coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) cases in Weifang, China, originated from close contact with imported cases, highlighting the need for enhanced patient management to control viral spread.
Area of Science:
- Epidemiology
- Infectious Diseases
- Public Health
Background:
- Investigating the epidemiology and clinical characteristics of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) patients in Weifang, China.
- Understanding transmission patterns is crucial for effective public health interventions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the origins and transmission dynamics of COVID-19 in Weifang.
- To describe the clinical presentation and laboratory findings of COVID-19 patients.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of demographic data from 43 COVID-19 patients.
- Investigation of travel history and close contact with confirmed cases.
- Evaluation of symptoms, laboratory tests, and imaging results upon admission.
Main Results:
- 16 (37.2%) of 43 patients were imported cases, seeding further transmission, including third-generation infections.
- Super-spreader events significantly contributed to local transmission.
- Common symptoms included fever, weakness, and cough; laboratory findings showed decreased lymphocytes and elevated inflammatory markers (CRP, SAA).
- No deaths or healthcare worker infections were reported.
Conclusions:
- COVID-19 spread in Weifang was primarily driven by close contact with imported cases.
- Strengthened patient management and infection control measures are essential to prevent further viral dissemination.
Background:
To investigate the epidemiology and clinical characteristics of patients infected with coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) in Weifang, China.
Methods:
The demographic data of 43 COVID-19 patients identified in Weifang were used to investigate whether they had traveled to epidemic areas and whether they had close contact with confirmed cases. On admission, patients' symptoms and results of laboratory tests and imaging were analyzed.
Results:
Among the 43 COVID-19 patients. including 9 third generation infected cases, 16 (37.2%) were imported, who infected the rest. Most cases were middle-aged with approximate sex ratio. A "super spreader", Mr. Zhang made it necessary to quarantine 69 medical personnel. Mr. Zhang directly infected six individuals who, in turn, infected another six individuals. Another patient, Mr. Wang, spread the infection to his five family members at a family gathering. Subsequently, the daughter infected her husband. The most common COVID-19 symptoms were fever, weakness, dry cough, and cough sputum. In most patients, white blood cell counts were not elevated and lymphocyte counts were decreased. Elevated C-reactive protein and serum amyloid A protein (SAA) levels were commonly observed. There was no death among the patients or infection among the medical staff.
Conclusions:
The infection by the COVID-19 in Weifang was mostly the result of close contact with imported cases. These circumstances underscore the need to comprehensively strengthen the management for patients to prevent and control the spread of the virus.
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