Clinical infectious diseases : an official publication of the Infectious Diseases Society of America
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We aimed to further clarify the epidemiological and clinical characteristics of asymptomatic severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infections. ⋯ A portion of asymptomatic individuals were capable of transmitting the virus to others. Given the frequency and potential infectiousness of asymptomatic infections, testing of traced contacts is essential. Studies of the impact of treatment of asymptomatic RT-PCR+ individuals on disease progression and transmission should be undertaken.
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Considerable debates about the general community use of face masks for protection against coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) stemmed out from differing views taken by health authorities. Misconceptions and stigmatization towards the use of face masks may hinder the containment of the COVID-19 pandemic. ⋯ In contrast, authorities that recommended against the community use of masks mainly cited shortage of supplies, the argument that the public do not have the adequate skills to wear them, or that wearing masks might reduce compliance with other important behaviors. We suggest promoting effective behavioral changes in personal protective measures by teaching microbiological knowledge instead of just listing out the "do's-and-don'ts."
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This is the first known community transmission case of the novel coronavirus disease (COVID-19) in the United States, with significant public health implications. Diagnosis of COVID-19 is currently confirmed with PCR based testing of appropriate respiratory samples. ⋯ Since this case, any patient with severe disease (eg, ARDS or pneumonia) requiring hospitalization without an explanatory diagnosis can be tested even if no clear source of exposure is identified. While influencing national health policies for revising screening criteria, this case also highlighted significant knowledge gaps in diagnosis and treatment and a desperate need for early, widespread, fast and cheap testing for COVID-19.