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. 

Information for Lake County Health Care 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. 

If patients with fever and respiratory symptoms (e.g., cough and difficulty breathing) arrive to your healthcare institution: 

• They should be asked during triage if they have traveled to Wuhan, China or 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 private or airborne isolation 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 not present with fever, based on other factors (e.g., very young, elderly, or immunosuppressed individuals or taking fever-reducing medications). Use your clinical judgement. 
• Please 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 and can be found at: 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. See attached Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) memo regarding details of specimen collection and shipment. Communicable Disease staff will assist in coordination of shipment.  
• Please do not forget to test for other common, circulating viral infections (e.g., influenza, RSV, and other respiratory pathogens.) 

Use the following numbers as appropriate when attempting to contact Lake County Health Department Communicable Disease program: 

• Lake County Health Department Communicable Disease program 
  • Main line: (847) 377-8130 (9am-5pm) 
  • After-hours and weekend pager: (847) 389-4431 (< 10 minutes to respond) 
  • Medical Epidemiologist, Dr. Sana Ahmed (847) 309-9671 
• Lake County Health Department Emergency Response Coordinator 
  • Patti Corn: (224) 221-8672 
  • Scott Robertson (224) 355-6985 
• IDPH Communicable Disease (if IDPH contacted first, IDPH may refer you back to Lake County Health Department) 
  • Main line: (217) 782-2016 (during work hours) 
  • After-hours: (800) 782-7860 

 Note: this is an evolving situation and as we learn more about the 2019 novel Coronavirus, we will share updated recommendations.