Microbiological Case Report: Epidemiological Characteristics and Update of Covid-19 Cases in St. Lucia

Abstract

Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is a potentially severe acute respiratory infection caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2.The virus was identified as the cause of an outbreak of pneumonia of unknown cause in Wuhan City, Hubei Province, China, in December 2019. The clinical presentation is that of a respiratory infection with a symptom severity ranging from a mild common cold-like illness, to a severe viral pneumonia leading to acute respiratory distress syndrome that is potentially fatal [1,2].

The clinical presentation resembles viral pneumonia, and the severity of illness ranges from mild to severe. Approximately 80% of patients present with mild illness, 14% present with severe illness, and 5% present with critical illness. Severe illness is associated with older age and the presence of underlying health conditions. Older patients and/or those with comorbidities may present with mild symptoms, but have a high risk of deterioration. Atypical presentations may occur, especially in older patients or patients who are immunocompromised. To aid the analysis and tracking of the COVID-19 we collected and curated individual-level data from national, provincial, and municipal health reports, as well as additional information from online reports. In this study we presented only the Microbiological History and an Update of COVID-19 Cases in St. Lucia [3-5].