Italy affected much earlier than previously thought

In the week after confirmation of the first case of Covid-19 in Italy, the numbers got wild. A phenomenon that could be explained by an intrusion of the coronavirus in the country much earlier than previously believed by the authorities.

It was on February 20, 2020 that the first case of Covid-19 has been confirmed in Lombardy. A 38-year-old patient admitted to Codogno hospital. No history of travel or contact with infected people. But italian researchers claim today that the coronavirus responsible for the disease was invited to northern Italy from the very beginning of the year.

The researchers analyzed the nearly 6,000 first known cases. Their objective: to characterize theevolution of the epidemic in the country. By collecting the demographic history of these patients, the dates of onset of symptoms, their clinical characteristics and their contacts, the researchers estimated that theepidemic had started in the area well before February 20. At a time when looks were still facing Wuhan (China).

Take action soon

Researchers say that by the time the first case was formalized, the epidemic had in fact already spread to most cities in southern Lombardy. Their investigation led them to identify symptomatic people as of January 14, 2020. Thus, by the time the first containment measures were taken – three days after the first positive Review -, the coronavirus was probably already well established in the region.

The researchers therefore recommend that the authorities take measures as early as possible. This new image of the epidemic in Lombardy clearly shows that offensive containment strategies are necessary to stem the spread.

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