Updated understanding of the outbreak of 2019 novel coronavirus (2019‐nCoV) in Wuhan, China
Weier Wang Jianming Tang PhD Fangqiang Wei PhD
First published: 29 January 2020 https://doi.org/10.1002/jmv.25689
This article has been accepted for publication and undergone full peer review but has not been through the copyediting, typesetting, pagination and proofreading process, which may lead to differences between this version and the Version of Record. Please cite this article as doi: 10.1002/jmv.25689
Background
To help health workers and the public recognize and deal with the 2019 novel coronavirus (2019‐nCoV) quickly, effectively and calmly with an updated understanding.
Methods
A comprehensive search from Chinese and worldwide official websites and announcements was performed between 1 Dec 2019 to 9:30 am 26 Jan 2020 (Beijing time). A latest summary of 2019‐nCoV and the current outbreak was drawn.
Results
Up to 24 pm 25 Jan 2020, a total 1,975 cases were confirmed infection of 2019‐nCoV in China mainland with a total of 56 deaths occurred. The latest mortality was approximately 2.84% with a total 2,684 cases still suspected. The China National Health Commission reported the details of the first 17 deaths up to 24 pm 22 Jan 2020. The deaths included 13 males and 4 females. The median age of the deaths was 75 (range 48‐89) years. Fever (64.7%) and cough (52.9%) were the most common first symptoms in deaths. The median days from first symptom to death were 14.0 (range 6‐41) days, and tended to be shorter among people of 70‐year old or above (11.5 [range 6‐19] days) than those with ages below 70‐year old (20 [range 10‐41] days, P=0.033).
Conclusion
The infection of 2019‐nCoV is spreading and increasing nationwide. The first occurred deaths were majorly elderly people who might have faster disease progresses. The public should still be cautious in dealing with the virus and paying more attention to protect elderly people from the virus.
