January 31, 2020

Transmission of 2019-nCoV Infection from an Asymptomatic Contact in Germany

Category: Article Summary

Topic: Transmission

• On 1/28 potential asymptomatic transmission of 2019-nCoV was identified in Germany. A new report indicates a second person was infected by the same asymptomatic traveler from China.
• The virus seems to have been transmitted during the index patient’s incubation period. Once symptoms did develop, the index patient experiences brief and nonspecific symptoms.
• High sputum viral load in the first asymptomatically-infected patient raises concerns about potential prolonged viral shedding after recovery.

Rothe et al. (Jan 30, 2020). Transmission of 2019-nCoV Infection from an Asymptomatic Contact in Germany. NEJM. https://www.nejm.org/doi/full/10.1056/NEJMc2001468?query=featured_coronavirus