Coronavirus (Covid-19)

A collection of articles and other resources on the Coronavirus (Covid-19) outbreak, including clinical reports, management guidelines, and commentary.

- Original Article Characteristics of Covid-19 in China W. Guan and Others
  In this study, researchers describe the clinical characteristics of coronavirus disease 2019 in a selected cohort of 1099 patients with laboratory-confirmed disease throughout China during the first 2 months of the current outbreak.
  Feb 28
  Editorial Covid-19 — Navigating the Uncharted
- Editorial February 24 NEJM Coronavirus Update
  In this audio interview conducted on February 24, 2020, the editors discuss what’s needed to prepare for the ongoing spread of the virus outside China as well as the role of the Journal in disseminating critical information.
  Feb 27
- Perspective Responding to Covid-19 B. Gates
  Bill Gates writes that in any crisis, leaders have two equally important responsibilities: solve the immediate problem and keep it from happening again. In the case of the Covid-19 pandemic, the first point is especially pressing, but the second has crucial long-term consequences.
  Feb 28

NEJM Coronavirus Update
Listen to conversations with editors Eric Rubin and Lindsey Baden on the current coronavirus outbreak.

HealthMap of the Coronavirus Outbreak
The HealthMap team from Boston Children’s Hospital tracks publicly reported confirmed and suspected cases of 2019-nCoV throughout the world. The map is automatically updated to show current data.

Epidemics Going Viral: Innovation vs. Nature
In April 2018, a group of renowned researchers, clinicians, public health officials, and others with first-hand experience dealing with epidemics explored the complex challenges of global health emergencies, as well as potential solutions. Watch the video.

More on Coronaviruses

Original Article Aug 28, 2014 Transmission of MERS-Coronavirus in Household Contacts
C. Drosten and Others N Engl J Med 2014; 371:828-835
Defining transmission dynamics of the Middle East respiratory syndrome coronavirus (MERS-CoV) is important for public health measures. In this report, potential transmission to household contacts of 26 index patients with MERS-CoV infection is investigated.

Original Article Brief Report Jun 26, 2014 Evidence for Camel-to-Human Transmission of MERS Coronavirus
E.I. Azhar and Others N Engl J Med 2014; 370:2499-2505
The source of Middle East respiratory syndrome coronavirus infection in humans is unclear, although bats and camels are suspected animal reservoirs. In this report, direct transmission of a fatal human case is tightly linked to a camel by epidemiologic, serologic, and virologic data.

Original Article Aug 01, 2013 Hospital Outbreak of Middle East Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus
A. Assiri and Others N Engl J Med 2013; 369:407-416
A novel coronavirus (MERS-CoV) is causing severe disease in the Middle East. In this report on a hospital outbreak of MERS-CoV infection, 23 confirmed cases and evidence of person-to-person transmission were identified. The median incubation period was 5.2 days.

Editorial Person-to-Person Spread of the MERS Coronavirus — An Evolving Picture

Original Article Brief Report Jun 27, 2013 Family Cluster of Middle East Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus Infections
Z.A. Memish and Others N Engl J Med 2013; 368:2487-2494
A novel coronavirus (MERS-CoV) was recently identified as the cause of severe respiratory disease. In this report from Saudi Arabia, a family cluster of infection over a 6-week period is described, suggesting possible limited person-to-person transmission.

Original Article Brief Report Nov 08, 2012 Isolation of a Novel Coronavirus from a Man with Pneumonia in Saudi Arabia
A.M. Zaki and Others N Engl J Med 2012; 367:1814-1820
On June 24, 2012, a 60-year-old man died of progressive respiratory infection in Saudi Arabia. A novel coronavirus was identified as a potential cause of this severe illness. Subsequently, a second patient was reported to have severe illness associated with this coronavirus.

Editorial Emerging Human Coronaviruses — Disease Potential and Preparedness

Original Article May 15, 2003 A Novel Coronavirus Associated with Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome
T.G. Ksiazek and Others N Engl J Med 2003; 348:1953-1966
This report summarizes the laboratory studies undertaken to identify the etiologic agent of the worldwide outbreak of the severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS). In specimens from patients from seven countries, a coronavirus was identified by electron microscopy. The virus is only distantly related to previously sequenced coronaviruses. From serologic studies it appears that this virus has not previously circulated in humans.

Perspective SARS-Associated Coronavirus Perspective Managing SARS amidst Uncertainty

Original Article May 15, 2003 Identification of a Novel Coronavirus in Patients with Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome
C. Drosten and Others N Engl J Med 2003; 348:1967-1976
This study used cell culture and molecular techniques to identify the infectious agent associated with SARS. A novel coronavirus was found in multiple samples from 18 patients but in no specimens from control subjects. In the patients there were high concentrations of viral RNA in sputum, a finding consistent with a highly infectious agent. Low concentrations of viral RNA were also detected in stool.

Original Article May 15, 2003 A Cluster of Cases of Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome in Hong Kong
K.W. Tsang and Others N Engl J Med 2003; 348:1977-1985
This report describes 10 epidemiologically linked patients in Hong Kong in whom SARS was diagnosed between late February and late March. They presented with fever, cough, malaise, dyspnea, and hypoxemia. Chest radiographs showed progressive airway disease. In the two patients who died, examination of the lungs showed diffuse alveolar damage.

Editorial Case Clusters of the Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome

Original Article May 15, 2003 A Major Outbreak of Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome in Hong Kong
N. Lee and Others N Engl J Med 2003; 348:1986-1994
Over a period of two weeks at a hospital in Hong Kong 69 patients and 69 health care workers were admitted to isolation wards because of SARS. Thirty-two of those with SARS required intensive care, and five died. This report describes the clinical and radiologic features of SARS, and it analyzes the predictors of a poor outcome.