A team of experts from HKUMed demonstrated that SARS-CoV-2 is transmittable between humans. The study, published in the highly reputable journal The Lancet, described how a family of 6 (numbered Patients 1–6, below) with recent travel history to Wuhan was infected with SARS-CoV-2. None in the family had been to the markets or had contact with animals in Wuhan.
Key takeaways from the study:
- Patients 1–4 already had symptoms when they sought treatment at the Hong Kong-Shenzhen Hospital.
- Patient 5 had pneumonia detected by CT scan.
- Patient 5 was later confirmed infected but was asymptomatic.
- Patient 6 wore a mask for most of the time and was not infected.
- An additional member of the family who did not travel to Wuhan became infected with the virus after coming into contact with 4 of the family members.
- The estimated time for symptoms to appear after infection was 3 to 6 days.
Patients who are infected with SARS-CoV-2 could remain asymptomatic, therefore, it is important to isolate patients and trace contacts early. This study’s results helped to demonstrate why control measures are needed for limiting human transmission.
To read the original article published in The Lancet, click here.
