Identification of first definite case of COVID-19 in Jinghu District of Wuhu City

ObjectiveTo report an epidemiological investigation on identification of the first case of coronavirus disease 2019(COVID-19) in Jinghu District of Wuhu City.

MethodsA field epidemiologic survey was conducted on the case.Throat swab sample was tested using real-time reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) assay to detect the nucleic acid of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2).The close contacts of the case were tracked and appropriate prevention and control measures were implemented.

ResultsThe case had lived in Xi′an usually and arrived in Wuhu from Xi′an on January 22 of 2020.On January 23, the patient developed respiratory symptoms but the diagnosis of COVID-19 was excluded after two negative SARS-CoV-2 nucleic acid tests.On January 26, the patient was admitted to hospital again due to fever, chest tightness and other symptoms.On January 27, the patient tested positive for SARS-CoV-2 nucleic acid and was confirmed with COVID-19 after a review by the Anhui Provincial Center for Disease Control and Prevention.The case had no history of travel or residence in Wuhan, and no history of contact with wildlife or markets, however, had close contact with a confirmed COVID-19 patient before returning to Wuhu.

ConclusionBased on the epidemiological history, clinical symptoms and the results of the SARS-CoV-2 nucleic acid test, the patient is determined as the first reported case of COVID-19 in Jinghu District of Wuhu City.