Article Summary
February 25, 2020
First respiratory transmitted food borne outbreak?
In the absence of any findings from known animal source of human novel coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2) infection, Jalava (2020) reports that wide contamination of seafood (seafood and fish tanks) and wildlife markets might explain the initiation of the SARS-CoV-2 outbreak. A comparative study of genetic sequences will not be adequate to resolve and provide credible evidence…
First Atypical case of 2019 novel coronavirus in Yan’an, China
Hao et al report on an atypical COVID-19 case in a 60 -year old man manifesting mainly as fatigue. The patient did not have fever or respiratory symptoms. Diagnosis was confirmed by epidemiological characteristics, chest imaging, and lab findings. There is need to expand case definition for better case management and understanding of epidemiology of…
A descriptive study of the impact of diseases control and prevention on the epidemics 1 dynamics and clinical features of SARS-CoV-2 outbreak in Shanghai, lessons learned for 2 metropolis epidemics prevention
Lu et al (2020) evaluated the impact of disease control and prevention on epidemic dynamics and clinical features of the COVID-19 outbreak in Shanghai. They report a reduction in transmission of 99% within Shanghai and that the exponential growth had so far been stopped. They conclude that strict control of transmission at the early stage…
February 24, 2020
Coronaphobia: Fear and the 2019-nCoV outbreak
The authors hypothesize that psychological vulnerability to anxiety about COVID-19 may play a role in public anxiety about the outbreak. They also call out xenophobia and intolerance of uncertainty as possible factors and express concern about how healthcare systems will handle “worried well”. Asmundson and Taylor (March, 2020). Coronaphobia: Fear and the 2019-nCoV outbreak. Journal…
COVID-19 in Wuhan: Immediate Psychological Impact on 5062 Health Workers
Over 5000 healthcare workers were surveyed in Wuhan to assess level and severity of psychological issues associated COVID-19 outbreak response. The authors also assessed the effects of psychological protective measures for healthcare workers at a government-identified “specific hospital” for the treatment of COVID-19. Depression, anxiety, and stress varied by sociodemographic characteristics. Nurses and technicians also…
Generalized anxiety disorder, depressive symptoms and sleep quality during COVID-19 epidemic in China: a web-based cross-sectional survey
603 Chinese individuals of various professions were surveyed about anxiety, depression, insomnia, and knowledge of COVID-19. Depressive and anxious symptoms were reported significantly more in younger respondents <35. Anxiety was greatest among those reporting reading or focusing on COVID-10 for 3+ hours daily. Poorest sleep was reported among healthcare providers, likely linked to general exhaustion, job-related…
ACP risk grade: a simple mortality index for patients with confirmed or suspected severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 disease (COVID-19) during the early stage of outbreak in Wuhan, China
Authors describe the construction and testing of a mortality index to evaluate mortality risk for confirmed and suspected COVID-19 cases. Lu et al. (Feb 23, 2020). ACP risk grade: a simple mortality index for patients with confirmed or suspected severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 disease (COVID-19) during the early stage of outbreak in Wuhan,…
Assessing the impact of a symptom-based mass screening and testing intervention during a novel infectious disease outbreak: The case of COVID-19
Symptom-based mass screening and testing interventions (MSTI) can be effective at preventing or reducing disease transmission if implemented correctly. The authors discuss pitfalls of MSTI approaches and strategies to improve effectiveness. Ge et al. (Feb 23, 2020). Assessing the impact of a symptom-based mass screening and testing intervention during a novel infectious disease outbreak: The…
Emergence of a Novel Coronavirus Disease (COVID-19) and the Importance of Diagnostic Testing: Why Partnership between Clinical Laboratories, Public Health Agencies, and Industry Is Essential to Control the Outbreak
This Mayo Clinic commentary emphasizes the importance of collaboration across public health agencies, laboratories, and industry to increase preparedness and response capacity and to ensure rapid development, dissemination, and implementation of diagnostic tests. Binnicker (Feb 20, 2020). Emergence of a Novel Coronavirus Disease (COVID-19) and the Importance of Diagnostic Testing: Why Partnership between Clinical Laboratories,…
Comparison of throat swabs and sputum specimens for viral nucleic acid detection in 52 cases of novel coronavirus (SARS-Cov-2) infected pneumonia (COVID-19)
Sputum specimens appear to be more sensitive than throat swabs in detecting COVID-19, though authors do not provide estimates of positive predictive value. Lin et al. (Feb 23, 2020). Comparison of throat swabs and sputum specimens for viral nucleic acid detection in 52 cases of novel coronavirus (SARS-Cov-2) infected pneumonia (COVID-19). Pre-print downloaded Feb 23…
Previous page Next page