A familial cluster of COVID-19 infection in a northern Chinese region

Background: Currently, coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) has spread worldwide and become a global health concern. Here, we report a familial cluster of COVID-19 infection in a northern Chinese region and share our local experience. Methods A familial cluster of six patients infected with severe acute respiratory coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) was included for analysis. The demographic data, clinical features, laboratory examinations, and epidemiological characteristics of enrolled cases were collected and analyzed. Results Two family members (Cases 1 and 2) had Hubei exposure history and were admitted to the hospital with a confirmed diagnosis of COVID-19; eight familial members who had contact with them during the incubation period were isolated in a hospital. Finally, the condition of four members (Cases 3, 4, 5, and 6) was as follows. Case 3 had negative SARS-CoV-2 RT-PCR results but was suspected to have COVID-19 because of radiographic abnormalities. Cases 4 and 5 developed COVID-19. Due to positive SARS-CoV-2 RT-PCR results, Case 6 was considered an asymptomatic carrier. In addition, four close contacts did not have evidence of SARS-CoV-2 infection. Conclusions Our findings suggest that COVID-19 has infectivity during the incubation period and preventive quarantine is effective for controlling an outbreak of COVID-19 infection.