Alliance for Pandemic Preparedness

May 28, 2020

Comparison of Clinical Characteristics of Patients with Asymptomatic vs Symptomatic Coronavirus Disease 2019 in Wuhan, China

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  • Among 78 SARS-CoV-2 positive patients who were exposed to the Hunan seafood market or had close contact with other patients with COVID-19 in Wuhan, China, 42% were asymptomatic and 58% were symptomatic. Those who were asymptomatic were younger and more likely to be women (67% v 31%), compared to symptomatic patients. Asymptomatic patients also had a shorter duration of viral shedding from nasopharynx swabs (median duration of 9 vs. 15 days). 

Yang et al. (May 27, 2020). Comparison of Clinical Characteristics of Patients with Asymptomatic vs Symptomatic Coronavirus Disease 2019 in Wuhan, China. JAMA Network Open. https://doi.org/10.1001/jamanetworkopen.2020.10182