James Exnobert Zulu
Zambia Field Epidemiology Training Program, Zambia National Public Health Institute, Lusaka, Zambia; Workforce Development Cluster, Zambia National Public Health Institute, Lusaka, Zambia; Department of Public Health, Eastern Province Health Office, Chipata, Zambia
Dabwitso Banda
Zambia Field Epidemiology Training Program, Zambia National Public Health Institute, Lusaka, Zambia; Workforce Development Cluster, Zambia National Public Health Institute, Lusaka, Zambia; Tropical Diseases Research Centre, Ndola, Zambia
Jonas Zajac Hines
Divison of Global HIV and Tuberculosis, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Lusaka, Zambia
Musisye Luchembe
Department of Infectious Disease and Control, University Teaching Hospital, Lusaka, Zambia; Department of Infectious Disease and Control, Ministry of Health, Lusaka, Zambia
Suilanje Sivile
Department of Infectious Disease and Control, University Teaching Hospital, Lusaka, Zambia; Department of Infectious Disease and Control, Ministry of Health, Lusaka, Zambia
Mpanji Siwingwa
Department of Infectious Disease and Control, University Teaching Hospital, Lusaka, Zambia; Department of Infectious Disease and Control, Ministry of Health, Lusaka, Zambia
Davies Kampamba
Department of Infectious Disease and Control, University Teaching Hospital, Lusaka, Zambia; Department of Infectious Disease and Control, Ministry of Health, Lusaka, Zambia
Khozya Davie Zyambo
Department of Infectious Disease and Control, University Teaching Hospital, Lusaka, Zambia; Department of Infectious Disease and Control, Ministry of Health, Lusaka, Zambia
Robert Chirwa
Department of Infectious Disease and Control, University Teaching Hospital, Lusaka, Zambia; Department of Infectious Disease and Control, Ministry of Health, Lusaka, Zambia
Lameck Chirwa
Department of Infectious Disease and Control, University Teaching Hospital, Lusaka, Zambia; Department of Infectious Disease and Control, Ministry of Health, Lusaka, Zambia
Warren Malambo
Divison of Global HIV and Tuberculosis, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Lusaka, Zambia
Danielle Barradas
Divison of Global HIV and Tuberculosis, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Lusaka, Zambia
Nyambe Sinyange
Zambia Field Epidemiology Training Program, Zambia National Public Health Institute, Lusaka, Zambia; Workforce Development Cluster, Zambia National Public Health Institute, Lusaka, Zambia
Simon Agolory
Divison of Global HIV and Tuberculosis, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Lusaka, Zambia
Lloyd Berdad Mulenga
Department of Infectious Disease and Control, University Teaching Hospital, Lusaka, Zambia; Department of Infectious Disease and Control, Ministry of Health, Lusaka, Zambia
Sombo Fwoloshi
Department of Infectious Disease and Control, University Teaching Hospital, Lusaka, Zambia; Department of Infectious Disease and Control, Ministry of Health, Lusaka, Zambia
Abstract
Introduction: COVID-19 is often characterized by an acute upper respiratory tract infection. However, information on longer-term clinical sequelae following acute COVID-19 is emerging. We followed a group of persons with COVID-19 in Zambia at two months to assess persistent symptoms.
Methods: in September 2020, we re-contacted participants from SARS-CoV-2 prevalence studies conducted in Zambia in July 2020 whose polymerase chain reaction (PCR) tests were positive. Participants with valid contact information were interviewed using a structured questionnaire that captured demographics, pre-existing conditions, and types and duration of symptoms. We describe the frequency and duration of reported symptoms and used chi-square tests to explore variability of symptoms by age group, gender, and underlying conditions.
Results: of 302 participants, 155 (51%) reported one or more acute COVID-19-related symptoms in July 2020. Cough (50%), rhinorrhoea (36%) and headache (34%) were the most frequently reported symptoms proximal to diagnosis. The median symptom duration was 7 days (IQR: 3-9 days). At a median follow up of 54 days (IQR: 46-59 day), 27 (17%) symptomatic participants had not yet returned to their pre-COVID-19 health status. These participants most commonly reported cough (37%), headache (26%) and chest pain (22%). Age, sex, and pre-existing health conditions were not associated with persistent symptoms.
Conclusion: a notable percentage of persons with SARS-CoV-2 infection in July still had symptoms nearly two months after their diagnosis. Zambia is implementing ´post-acute COVID-19 clinics´ to care for patients with prolonged symptoms of COVID-19, to address their needs and better understand how the disease will impact the population over time.
