Epidemiology of COVID-19 in Mexico: Symptomatic profiles and presymptomatic people

Abstract

\n Objectives\n The COVID-19 diagnosis is difficult and ambiguous due to nonspecific symptoms. Also, data from Mexico are hospitable population-based without signs and symptoms information. For these reasons, this work aims to provide epidemiology information about the burden of COVID-19 in the Mexican outpatients and to identify symptomatic COVID-19 profiles that could help in the early diagnosis of the disease.\n \n Methods\n Between June to September, epidemiological, clinical, and demographic data of 482,413 individuals diagnosed by RT-PCR test for SARS-CoV-2 in Salud Digna clinics were collected.\n \n Results\n We observed a 41% incidence of SARS-CoV-2 infections with a mean age of 36 years, being young adults (20-40 years) the most affected. Among occupations, deliverers (OR 1.38) or informal traders (OR 1.33) had a higher risk of COVID-19. Moreover, 13% of SARS-CoV-2 infections were in presymptomatic patients. Finally, we identify three different symptomatic profiles (common, respiratory, and gastrointestinal) associated with COVID-19.\n \n Conclusion\n The incidence of SARS-CoV-2 was high among outpatients with a significant proportion of presymptomatic carriers, so it is necessary increasing testing and continue the SARS-CoV-2 surveillance with a better description of signs and symptoms; in this regard, were identified three symptomatic profiles that could help in the diagnose of COVID-19.\n