Introduction:

On March 11, 2020, Cuba confirmed the first case of COVID-19. The organizational and material conditions were created to face the epidemic.

Objective:

Clinically-epidemiologically characterize imported cases in Cuba. March-August 2020.

Methods:

A time series design is combined with an analytical cross-sectional design. Demographic variables, reason for travel, type of case, number of contacts, stay, intervals between date of onset of symptoms and admission, and date of diagnosis were studied. A relationship was estimated between these factors and the death of cases. Percentages, incidence, fatality, Chi-square and Relative Chance were calculated. Statistical association and strength of association between variables were sought.

Results:

409 patients (97.85%) were discharged and 9 died with a predominance of >50 years (7 [1.67%). Most frequent comorbidities: arterial hypertension (4.07%), diabetes mellitus (2.63%) and bronchial asthma (1.67%). 377 (90.19%) had no pathological history at the time of the interview. 178 (42.58%) reported symptoms; the most frequent: fever (21.77%), cough (12.68%) and rhinorrhea (6.22%). Presymptomatic at the time of the interview 240 (57.42%). Primary cases (86.12%). 100% of deaths were symptomatic. Those >51 years old, had comorbidities, nationals, tourism travelers, short periods between admission-diagnosis and admission-discharge had the highest number of deaths 7 (1.67%) (OR=5.98; 0.30; 11.11- 2.44; 14.63; 7.86 respectively). Male patients >50 years old with associated pathologies had a higher risk of dying and OR=31.41.

Conclusions:

The majority of patients were nationals who returned to Cuba and had an important role in autochthonous transmission.

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