Rigorous Measures are Vital for Preventing and Controlling Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19): A Cross-sectional Study

Abstract

Background Since December 2019, a novel corona virus disease named COVID-19 outbreak in Wuhan, China and spread worldwide then. Active prevention and control measures have been carried out in China, such as vigorous publicity, active screening and rapid isolation. As the major epidemic area, the passages in and out of Wuhan were temporarily closed since January 23. We aimed to demonstrate the effectiveness of rigorous measures by comparing the characteristics of patients hospitalized before and after implementation of vital measures. Methods Clinical data of patients admitted to hospital with COVID-19 during January 17-23 (Phase I) and February 3-9 (Phase II) were collected and compared. The cut-off date for follow-up was March 13, 2020. Results Of 176 patients with COVID-19, 97 were admitted in Phase I (43 [44.3%] male; mean age: 47.7), and 79 were in Phase II (33 [41.8%] male; mean age: 50.1). The proportions of severe cases were 21.6% and 10.1% respectively. Fewer patients had comorbidities (13 [16.5%] vs. 7 [7.2%]) and more asymptomatic patients were in Phase II (27.8% vs. 13.9%). Patients in Phase II had less fever (53.2% vs. 70.1%), cough (34.2% vs. 52.6%) and myalgia (11.4% vs.28.9%), while more diarrhea (11.4% vs. 2.1%). Lymphopenia and elevated CRP, as well as eosinopenia and elevated SAA were common in two groups, but all of that were significantly better in Phase II. More patients in Phase II preformed normal CT image on admission (10 [12.7%] vs. 7 [7.2%]). And lower CT scores (3 [2-4] vs. 2 [1-3]) were observed in Phase II. Up to cut-off date, average response time on CT image were 11.2 and 8.1 days in Phase I and II respectively. Shorter average hospitalized days were in Phase II (18.9 vs. 23.3 days). Four patients (4.1%) in Phase I and two (2.5%) in Phase II died. Conclusions Various actions (including vigorous publicity, active screening and rapid isolation) prompted more early patients with COVID-19 found, diagnosed and remedied, leading to good prognosis. Call for pretty attention to the epidemics of COVID-19 and timely measures around the world.