Clinical and epidemiological characteristics of COVID-19 in Wellington, New Zealand: a retrospective, observational study

Abstract

Aims: To review the demographic and clinical characteristics of confirmed COVID-19 cases within the Greater Wellington Region (GWR).

Methods: A retrospective, observational study of all 96 confirmed COVID-19 cases in the GWR. The primary outcome was time taken from onset to complete resolution of symptoms. Secondary outcomes were the epidemiological and clinical characteristics of cases.

Results: The mean (SD) time from symptom onset to complete resolution was 19.1 (1.1) days. The mean (SD) age was 43.1 (16.9). 51% were male. The majority were of European ethnicity (84%), resided in the top five decile neighbourhoods (76%) and had travelled to New Zealand (69%). The mean (SD) time from onset of symptoms to obtaining RT-PCR testing results was 5.3 (0.4) days. The most common symptoms at onset were cough (36%), sore throat (22%) and fatigue (21%); the overall most common symptoms were cough (65%), sore throat (43%), headache (43%) and fatigue (42%); many symptoms were late manifestations. The most common co-morbidity reported was asthma (20%), with no reported exacerbations. The rate of secondary infections within households was 0.05 per primary infection.

Conclusion: The demography of COVID-19 cases reflected the imported nature of cases. The clinical presentation of COVID-19 was highly variable and there were no particular symptoms that could accurately predict infection.