Article Summary
February 18, 2020
Impact of seasonal forcing on a potential SARS-CoV-2 pandemic
Researchers use data on the seasonal variation of four endemic coronaviruses to model the effect of seasonal variation on a potential COVID-19 pandemic. They conclude that seasonality may, in combination with infection control processes, contribute to a slowing of the outbreak but that it seems likely this virus will shift into a seasonal endemic pattern…
First imported case of 2019 novel coronavirus in Canada, presenting as mild pneumonia
The first imported case of COVID-19 was identified in Canada. The authors describe the mild clinical presentation and discuss the possibility of home isolation for mild cases. Silverstein (Feb 13, 2020). First imported case of 2019 novel coronavirus in Canada, presenting as mild pneumonia. The Lancet. https://doi.org/10.1016/S0140-6736(20)30370-6
Estimating underdetection of internationally imported COVID-19 cases
Researchers estimated that the global capacity to detect imported cases of COVID-19 is about 38% that of Singapore, which has historically had strong disease detection capacity. High surveillance countries have about 40% Singapore’s detection capacity compared to 37% in intermediate surveillance countries and 11% in low surveillance countries. If all countries had the same detection…
Substantial undocumented infection facilitates the rapid dissemination of novel coronavirus (COVID-19)
Researchers estimate that prior to the Wuhan travel shutdown (Jan 23, 202), 86% of all COVID-19 infections were undocumented. They also estimate that these undocumented cases were about half as contagious as documented infection. Undocumented cases prior to the Wuhan quarantine likely explain the rapid geographic spread of the virus. Li et al. (Feb 17,…
Estimation of the asymptomatic ratio of novel coronavirus infections (COVID-19)
Using data on Japanese travelers evacuated from Wuhan, researchers estimate the proportion of infected COVID-19 patients who are asymptomatic (asymptomatic ratio). Recognizing the limitations of the data used in their estimation, the authors conclude that as many as half of all COVID-19 cases may be asymptomatic. Nishiura et al. (Feb 17, 2020). Estimation of the…
February 14, 2020
Try:
This detailed editorial outlining the COVID-19 outbreak and related research thus far. Velavan and Meyer (Feb 12, 2020). The COVID-19 epidemic. Tropical Medicine and International Health. https://doi.org/10.1111/tmi.13383 A commentary from the WHO Scientific and Technical Advisory Group for Infections Hazards (STAG-IH) on the trajectory of the global public health response to the COVID-19 outbreak….
SARS control and psychological effects of quarantine, Toronto, Canada
Hull critiques Hawyrluck et al. (above), stating that “…although isolation and quarantine are stressful, that is an insufficient reason to hesitate when these measures are indicated.” The authors’ response emphasizes that while psychological effects of quarantine were noted, they do not give sufficient reason to refrain from using quarantine if necessary. Hull (2005). SARS control…
SARS control and psychological effects of quarantine, Toronto, Canada
A survey was administered to 129 people (including health care workers) who were quarantined in Toronto during the SARS outbreak. Psychological distress, such as feelings of anxiety and isolation, PTSD, and depressive symptoms were common, although no formal diagnosis was made in this study. PTSD symptoms were associated with longer quarantine duration, lower income, and…
Is quarantine related to immediate negative psychological consequences during the 2009 H1N1 epidemic?
This study examined the relationship between quarantine and immediate negative psychological impacts at a Chinese university during the 2009 H1N1 outbreak. Researchers concluded that there was no significant difference in symptoms of PTSD and general mental health between the groups who were and were not quarantined, though those who were dissatisfied with the control measures…
System effectiveness of detection, brief intervention and refer to treatment for the people with post-traumatic emotional distress by MERS: a case report of community-based proactive intervention in South Korea
During the 2015 MERS outbreak in South Korea, the province of Gyeonggi was fully quarantined. Among 6,157 citizens surveyed, 19.6% demonstrated emotional difficulties (e.g., depression), 71.3% received one counseling service, and 28.7% sought ongoing counseling services. Of those requiring ongoing counseling, only about 10% were contacted by the national service providers, suggesting that despite increased…
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