Coronavirus Update
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) confirmed the second infection of 2019 Novel Coronavirus (2019-nCoV) in the United States has been detected in Illinois. The patient returned to the U.S. from Wuhan, China on January 13, 2020, and called a health care provider after experiencing symptoms a few days later.
While CDC considers this a serious public health threat, based on current information, the immediate health risk from 2019-nCoV to the general American public is considered low at this time.
For the most current information, visit the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) website 2019 Novel Coronavirus (2019-nCoV), Wuhan, China.
Lake County Providers
The Lake County Health Department is working with the state and federal partners to ensure that you are prepared for managing persons infected with the 2019 Novel Coronavirus. Follow these steps if patients with fever and respiratory symptoms arrive at your healthcare institution:
- Ask during triage if they have traveled to Wuhan, China or have been in contact with someone known to be infected with 2019-nCoV.
- Transmission dynamics of the virus remain unknown. Suspect patients should be masked and immediately taken to a private or airborne isolated room. Standard airborne and contact protection (gown and gloves) with eye protection (e.g., goggles or face shield) should be used by healthcare personnel when in contact with patient.
- Spectrum of disease presentation remains unknown; patients may nor present with fever, based on other factor. Use your clinical judgement.
- Promptly notify infection control personnel and the Lake County Health Department Communicable Disease program for further instructions.
- A Person Under Investigation (PUI) form will need to be completed. You can find the form here: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/downloads/pui-form.pdf
- Currently, diagnostic testing is only performed at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Approval for submission must be obtained from the Lake County Health Department Communicable Disease program.
- Please do not forget to test for other common, circulating viral infections (e.g., influenza, RSV, and other respiratory pathogens.)