The Epidemiological Characteristics of 2019 Novel Coronavirus Diseases (COVID-19) in Jingmen, China

Background: Some articles have reported the epidemiological and clinical characteristics of coronavirus disease (COVID-19) in Wuhan, but other cities have rarely been reported. This study explored the epidemiology of COVID-19 in Jingmen. Methods: All confirmed cases of COVID-19 in the First People’s Hospitalirst of Jingmen are included from January 12 to February 14, 2020. Cases were analyzed for epidemiological data and were confirmed by real-time PCR. Findings: Of the 213 cases (108 men and 105 women), 88 (41%) had exposure to W uhan. The median age was 48 years (range, 2-88 years;IQR, 35-58.5). Thirty-three severe patients with a median age of 66 years (range, 33-82 years,IQR, 57-76) were treated in intensive care units; out of these patients, 66.7% (22) were men and 19 (57.5%) had chronic diseases, including hypertension, diabetes, heart failure, stroke, and renal insufficiency. Under the controlled measures, the number of new patients gradually decreased and nearly disappeared after 20 days. Interpretation: All people are susceptible to the COVID-19, but older males and those with comorbid conditions are more likely to have severe symptoms. Even though COVID-19 is highly contagious, control measures have proven to be very effective. Funding Statement: This research received no external funding. Declaration of Interests: The authors declare no competing interests. Ethics Approval Statement: The study was approved by the First People’s Hospital of Jingmen Ethics Committee. The patients’ written informed consent was obtained before data was collected.