Clinical characteristics of asymptomatic and symptomatic COVID-19 patients in the Eastern Province of Saudi Arabia

Abstract

Background The first case of COVID-19 infection in Saudi Arabia was reported in Qatif on March 2nd, 2020. Here, we describe the clinical characteristics of the initial COVID-19 patients in that area. Methods This is an observational study describing the clinical presentation, radiographic and laboratory data of COVID-19 cases. Results From March 1st, 2020 to April 5th, 2020 we identified a total of 82 adult COVID-19 patients. The median age of the patients was 50 years, with a range of 30 to 60 years and most of patients were female 54 (65.9%). Of all the patients, 29 (35.4%) were contacts and 43 (52.4%) were returning travelers, mainly from Iraq (65% of the total returning travelers). Comorbidities were present in 50% of patients, G6PD deficiency in 33%, hypertension in 27%, and diabetes mellitus in 26%. Chest radiographs were abnormal in 46% of symptomatic and 15.5% of asymptomatic patients (P value = 0.0035). Of all patients, 4 (4.87%) required intensive care admission. There was no significant difference in time to negative RT-PCR with mean days to negativity of 13.6 and 16.9 for asymptomatic and symptomatic group, respectively (P value = 0.42). Conclusions In the initial Epicenter of the COVID-19 in Saudi Arabia, the majority of the patients were asymptomatic and were returning travelers. Comorbidities were present in nearly half of the patients.

Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) and Middle East Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus (MERS-CoV) coinfection: A unique case series

“…And the case fatality rate of COVID-19 is variable [ 7 , 8 ]. The clinical characteristics of the disease in Saudi Arabia is similar to other reported presentations [ [4] , [5] , [6] , 8 , 9 ].…”

“…COVID-19had been associated with tremendous medical challenges as well as societal and industrial interruption [ 1 ]. COVID-19 clinical presentation ranges from asymptomatic to severe disease [ [2] , [3] , [4] , [5] , [6] ]. And the case fatality rate of COVID-19 is variable [ 7 , 8 ].…”

“…The first case of COVID-19 was reported in Saudi Arabia on March 2 nd , 2020 [ 6 , 9 ]. However, we are not aware of any reports of coinfection of SARS-CoV-2 and MERS-CoV.…”

Public Knowledge, Attitudes, and Practice towards COVID-19 Pandemic in Saudi Arabia: A Web-Based Cross-Sectional Survey

“…Initial COVID-19 cases in this area were travel-related cases from travelers from Iran and Iraq to Bahrain and Kuwait [ 9 , 10 ]. Similarly, the first COVID-19 case in Saudi Arabia was reported in Qatif, Eastern Province, in a returning traveler [ 9 , 11 ]; that case was reported on 2 March 2020 [ 3 ]. Saudi Arabia took multiple interventions to prevent the spread and transmission of SARS-CoV-2, such as canceled mass gatherings, schools’ closure, and limiting Hajj pilgrimage, curfew, and lockdown of localities with increased transmission [ 9 , 10 , 11 ].…”

“…Similarly, the first COVID-19 case in Saudi Arabia was reported in Qatif, Eastern Province, in a returning traveler [ 9 , 11 ]; that case was reported on 2 March 2020 [ 3 ]. Saudi Arabia took multiple interventions to prevent the spread and transmission of SARS-CoV-2, such as canceled mass gatherings, schools’ closure, and limiting Hajj pilgrimage, curfew, and lockdown of localities with increased transmission [ 9 , 10 , 11 ]. As of 13 February 2021, in Saudi Arabia, there were 372,073 confirmed cases of COVID-19 with 6,424 deaths [ 8 ].…”