First cases of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) in the WHO European Region, 24 January to 21 February 2020

TLDR

COVID‑19 surveillance began in the WHO European Region on 27 January 2020. The study reports the first COVID‑19 cases in Europe. By 21 February, 47 cases had been reported across nine European countries, 38 of which were analyzed—most linked to clusters in Germany and France—with a median age of 42, and delayed detection of index cases prolonged local transmission; the total case count rose to 4,250 by 5 March.

Abstract

In the WHO European Region, COVID-19 surveillance was implemented 27 January 2020. We detail the first European cases. As at 21 February, nine European countries reported 47 cases. Among 38 cases studied, 21 were linked to two clusters in Germany and France, 14 were infected in China. Median case age was 42 years; 25 were male. Late detection of the clusters’ index cases delayed isolation of further local cases. As at 5 March, there were 4,250 cases.