Research: Clinical Public Health and Diagnosis

Preliminary estimates of the prevalence of selected underlying health conditions among patients with COVID-19 — United States, February 12–March 28, 2020

US CDC, WMWR Early Release, 3 April 2020

https://www.cdc.gov/mmwr/volumes/69/wr/mm6913e2.htm?s_cid=mm6913e2_w

Findings

Of the 7,162 patients with reported data on underlying factors, 37.6% had at least one underlying condition or risk factor, including diabetes mellitus (11%), chronic lung disease (9%), cardiovascular disease (9%). Underlying conditions and risk factors were significantly higher among ICU admissions (78%), while at least one underlying condition was reported in 94% of patients that died.

Interpretation

Preliminary estimates suggest that underlying risk factors and co-morbidities can play a significant role, particularly among severe cases that require ICU admission. It remains unknown, however, whether severity or level of control of underlying health conditions affects the risk for severe disease with COVID-19.

Loss of smell and taste in combination with other symptoms is a strong predictor of COVID-19 infection

Menni et al, 7 April 2020, NOT YET PEER REVIEWED

https://www.medrxiv.org/content/10.1101/2020.04.05.20048421v1

Findings

This paper in pre-press shows preliminary evidence that anosmia (loss of smell) and ageusia (loss of taste) may be early symptoms of COVID-19. The study suggests that loss of taste and smell is a strong predictor of having been infected by the COVID-19 virus. Also, the combination of symptoms that could be used to identify and isolate individuals includes anosmia, fever, persistent cough, diarrhoea, fatigue, abdominal pain and loss of appetite. This is particularly relevant to healthcare and other key workers in constant contact with the public who have not yet been tested for COVID-19.