Abstract：Objective To investigate the epidemiological features of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19)confirmed cases in Huaihua city so as to provide a scientific basis for formulating epidemic prevention and control strategies and measures. Methods A field epidemiological survey was performed on confirmed cases of COVID-19 in Huaihua city from January 22 to February 26, 2020, and their epidemiological characteristics were described. Fisher exact probability method was used to analyze suspicious factors affecting the clinical severity of COVID-19. Results The field epidemiological investigation was conducted on 40 confirmed cases. Eight counties and districts in Huaihua city reported confirmed cases, of which the male to female ratio was 1∶1.5, and the youngest confirmed patient was 18 years old. There were two peaks in the time distribution of the 40 confirmed cases, namely, January 17-20 (the highest number of daily cases was 6) and January 29-30 (the highest number of daily cases was 6). Cases with chronic underlying diseases had a higher probability of developing severe or critical illness than cases without chronic underlying diseases, and the difference was statistically significant (P<0.01). Conclusions Early intervention and prevention and control measures in place can effectively control the spread of COVID-19. Cases with underlying diseases are more likely to be severe or critical.
2020, Vol. 27 
