Article Summary
March 19, 2020
Detection of SARS-CoV-2 in Different Types of Clinical Specimens
This study of 1,070 specimens collected from 205 patients detected SARS-CoV-2 in specimens from multiple sites, (blood, feces, etc.) suggesting that testing from multiple sites may improve the sensitivity and reduce false-positive results. Wang et al. (Mar 11, 2020). Detection of SARS-CoV-2 in Different Types of Clinical Specimens. JAMA. https://doi.org/10.1001/jama.2020.3786
Estimating unobserved SARS-CoV-2 infections in the United States
Using a simulation model informed by reported cases and deaths, the authors estimate that tens of thousands of people (median of 22,876 people) were infected by the time a national emergency was declared in the US on March 13th. Results from the model suggest that fewer than 10% of locally acquired symptomatic infections in the…
The difference in the incubation period of 2019 novel coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2) infection between travelers to Hubei and non-travelers: The need of a longer quarantine period
Based on 175 confirmed cases reported in China between Jan 20 and Feb 12, Leung found a significant difference in the length of the incubation period of COVID-19 among travelers (10.3 – 13.3 days) and non-travelers (14.6 – 17.1 days) to Hubei, which suggests the need to extend quarantine periods to 3 weeks to account…
Coronavirus disease-19: Summary of 2,370 Contact Investigations of the First 30 Cases in the Republic of Korea
The study highlights the critical role of contact tracing to contain the COVID-19 outbreak in the early phase in Korea and lists various measures used to complete the contact tracing (i.e. tracking the history of clinic visits, GPS of the cell phones and credit card transaction log). Korea CDC (Mar 15, 2020). Coronavirus disease-19: Summary…
Effect of large large-scale testing platform in prevention and control of the COVID-19 pandemic: an empirical study with a novel numerical model
Large-scale and standardized clinical testing needs to be implemented in order to maximize the effect of quarantine and minimize the duration and cost. This empirical study highlights the significance of large-scale testing, as successfully implemented in China, for early prevention and control of COVID-19. Xie et al. (Mar 15, 2020). Effect of large large-scale testing…
March 18, 2020
Prisons and custodial settings are part of a comprehensive response to COVID-19
This article discusses the importance of including prisons, youth detention centers and immigration detention centers in the broader COVID-19 public health response. These settings have high levels of risk factors with facilities that are often overcrowded, poorly ventilated and unsanitary, and limited access to healthcare services. Kinner et al. (March 17, 2020). Prisons and custodial…
Demographic science aids in understanding the spread and fatality rates of COVID-19
Dowd et al used demographic projections of age-specific COVID-19 fatalities in Italy and South Korea to illustrate the effect of age structure on mortality in countries with similar sized populations but different age structures. The study suggests that demographically informed projections will better predict the COVID-19 burden, help inform policy-making and government targeted action (e.g….
Coronavirus Disease 2019 and Transplantation: a view from the inside.
A hospital in Italy outlined the preventative measures they took in selecting transplant patients during the COVID-19 outbreak and in performing transplants. Andrea et al. (March 17, 2020). Coronavirus Disease 2019 and Transplantation: a view from the inside. American Journ of Transplantation. https://doi.org/10.1111/ajt.15853
Under the epidemic situation of COVID-19, should special attention to pregnancy women be given?
While there are some studies that suggest no specific COVID-19 effect on late pregnancy, Jiao highlights the need for more data on effects of COVID-19 on first and second trimester pregnancy since hormone levels and immune status differs between trimesters and could affect neonatal and maternal outcomes. The author calls for routine detection and monitoring…
Effects of temperature variation and humidity on the mortality of COVID-19 in Wuhan
The authors observed a negative association between COVID-19 daily mortality counts and temperature and humidity, and a positive association with diurnal temperature range (DTR). This study suggests implications that temperature variation and humidity may affect COVID-19 mortality. Ma et al. (March 18, 2020). Effects of temperature variation and humidity on the mortality of COVID-19 in…
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