High altitude reduces infection rate of COVID-19 but not case-fatality rate

Jose Segovia-Juarez, Jesús M Castagnetto, Gustavo F Gonzales, Jose Segovia-Juarez, Jesús M Castagnetto, Gustavo F Gonzales

Abstract

Coronavirus disease 19 (COVID-19) is a pandemic caused by Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). It is suggested that life at high altitude may reduce COVID-19 infections and case-fatality rates (cases/deaths). We study data from Peru COVID-19 pandemics, which first case was recorded on March 6th, 2020. By June 13, 2020 there were 6498 deaths, and 224,132 SARS-CoV-2 positives. Using data from 185 capitals of provinces with altitudes ranging from 3 to 4342 m, we confirm previous reports that infection with COVID-19 at high altitude is reduced. However, case-fatality rate is not dependent of altitude. We have also presented first evidence that female protection towards death by COVID-19 is reduced as altitude of residence increases.

Keywords: Altitude; COVID-19; Fatality rate; Hypoxia.

Conflict of interest statement

The authors declare that they have no conflict of interest.

Copyright © 2020 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Figures

Fig. 1
Fig. 1
Number of Cases (Log Positive counts/population density) according to altitude (meters) of residence in Peru: (A) All positive cases, (B) Male cases, (C) Female cases, (D) Male/female ratio.
Fig. 2
Fig. 2
Number of Deaths by COVID-19 (Log deaths/population density) according to altitude (meters) of residence in Peru. A) All deaths, (B) Male deaths, (C) Female deaths, (D) Male/female ratio.
Fig. 3
Fig. 3
Cumulative case-fatality rate by COVID-19 in Peru according to altitude of residence.

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