Epidemiology, causes, clinical manifestation and diagnosis, prevention and control of coronavirus disease (COVID-19) during the early outbreak period: a scoping review

Abstract

were analyzed and discussed to better understand the epidemiology, causes, clinical diagnosis, prevention and control of this virus. The research domains, dates of publication, journal language, authors' affiliations, and methodological characteristics were included in the analysis. All the findings and statements in this review regarding the outbreak are based on published information as listed in the references. Results: Most of the publications were written using the English language (89.2%). The largest proportion of published articles were related to causes (38.5%) and a majority (67.7%) were published by Chinese scholars. Research articles initially focused on causes, but over time there was an increase of the articles related to prevention and control. Studies thus far have shown that the virus' origination is in connection to a seafood market in Wuhan, but specific animal associations have not been confirmed. Reported symptoms include fever, cough, fatigue, pneumonia, headache, diarrhea, hemoptysis, and dyspnea. Preventive measures such as masks, hand hygiene practices, avoidance of public contact, case detection, contact tracing, and quarantines have been discussed as ways to reduce transmission. To date, no specific antiviral treatment has proven effective; hence, infected people primarily rely on symptomatic treatment and supportive care. (Continued on next page)Conclusions: There has been a rapid surge in research in response to the outbreak of COVID-19. During this early period, published research primarily explored the epidemiology, causes, clinical manifestation and diagnosis, as well as prevention and control of the novel coronavirus. Although these studies are relevant to control the current public emergency, more high-quality research is needed to provide valid and reliable ways to manage this kind of public health emergency in both the short-and long-term.

Clinical features of the first cases and a cluster of Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) in Bolivia imported from Italy and Spain

“…There has been a rapid surge in research in response to the outbreak of COVID-19 [62]. During this early period, published research primarily explored the epidemiology [63], causes, clinical manifestation and diagnosis [64], as well as prevention and control of the novel coronavirus.…”

COVID-19 and mental health: A review of the existing literature

“…To date (March 30 th , 2020), over 720,000 confirmed cases and 33,000 deaths attributable to this disease have been reported. In the wake of this global health crisis, stringent public health measures have been implemented to curtail the spread of COVID-19 (Adhikari et al, 2020).…”

Genomic characterization of a novel SARS-CoV-2

“…Some people may have severe symptoms like pneumonia and acute respiratory distress syndrome (Chen et al, 2020). Also, individuals with underlying complications such as heart disease, chronic lung disease, or diabetes potentially display more severe symptoms (Adhikari et al, 2020). Preventive measures such as masks, frequent hand washing, staying home when sick, avoid public contact, and quarantines are being recommended for reducing the transmission.…”