Study of Epidemiological Characteristics of the SARS-CoV-2 Pandemic in Hassan District, Karnataka,India

Abstract

Background and Objective: In late December 2019, a novel corona virus (SARS-CoV-2) emerged in China and rapidly spread globally including India. Data on epidemiology of COVID 19 was limited during initial periods of outbreak in India. This study describes the epidemiological characteristics of COVID-19 patients in a District of South India.Methods: This prospective ,observational study included patients fulfillingWHO case definition of COVID-19 and confirmed to have SARS-CoV-2 infection by reverse transcription- polymerase chain reaction(RT-PCR) admitted between May, 2020 and July 2020.The demographic and epidemiological data was collected and analyzed.Results: Out of 1376 patients were admitted, the age group most affected was 31-40 years and 62% were male,73.69% were asymptomatic. Fever( 46.4%) ,cough (38.95%) and dyspnea (22.92% ) the most common presentation. 88.51% of the patients didn’t have any comorbidities. Diabetes Mellitus was the most common comorbidity.21.72% had history of travel with a positive case.Conclusion: This study revealed ,COVID 19 affecting younger age, males ,majority being asymptomatic and Diabetes Mellitus to be the major comorbidity.