Medical Center precautions outlined in response to the coronavirus originating in Wuhan City, China
Message from Tom Talbot, MD, MPH, Chief Hospital Epidemiologist for VUMC:
In December 2019, an emerging human coronavirus, dubbed 2019 Novel Coronavirus (2019-nCoV), was first reported. Cases originated in Wuhan City, Huban Province, China, and epidemiologic investigation linked these cases to an outdoor seafood and animal market, suggesting this emerged from exposure to animals (as was the case with two other recent emerging coronavirus infections, SARS and MERS).
To date, there have been more than 300 confirmed infections with 6 reported fatalities with cases reported in more provinces within China. In addition, on Jan. 20, China reported the first instances of human-to-human spread with reported cases among health care personnel. On Jan. 21, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) announced the first case in the United States, a traveler who had been in Wuhan City.
No vaccine or specific treatment is currently available for 2019-nCoV infection, so it is imperative that we remain vigilant for any potential cases and implement infection prevention precautions rapidly. In light of these reports, we remind all VUMC faculty and staff about several important ways to minimize the spread of this infection:
- Patient Screening and Isolation: VUMC health care providers should evaluate all VUMC patients for potential 2019-nCoV infection by assessing for the following signs/symptoms upon their arrival to our facilities:
Fever with symptoms of respiratory illness (e.g. cough or shortness of breath)
AND
A) History of travel within 14 days of symptom onset from China (any location).
OR
B) In the last 14 days before symptom onset, close contact with a person who is under investigation for 2019-nCoV while that person was ill.
NOTE: The eStar Travel Screening currently will alert you if a patient has recently travelled to China and has fever and respiratory symptoms.
Patients who respond “yes” to these questions should be provided a surgical mask that they should wear immediately and be placed in an airborne isolation negative pressure room.
The Department of Infection Prevention should also be contacted IMMEDIATELY at 615-835-1205 (24/7). Enhanced Precautions (wear gloves, gown, eye protection [other than prescription eye glasses], and N-95 Respirator or PAPR) should be followed. Visitors to the room should be limited will the patient is a suspected 2019-nCoV case.
Here is the CDC guidance about 2019-nCoV
- Travel Precautions: Travel has not yet been restricted by CDC or the WHO to Wuhan City or China. The CDC currently advises the following:
- Travelers to Wuhan should
- Avoid animals (alive or dead), animal markets, and products that come from animals (such as uncooked meat).
- Avoid contact with sick people.
- Wash hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. Use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer if soap and water are not available.
- If you traveled to Wuhan and feel sick with fever, cough or difficulty breathing, you should
- Stay home. Except for seeking medical care, avoid contact with others.
- Seek medical care right away. Before you go to a doctor’s office or emergency room, call ahead and tell them about your recent travel and your symptoms.
- Not travel while sick.
- Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue or your sleeve (not your hands) when coughing or sneezing.
- Wash hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. Use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer if soap and water are not available.
If you develop a fever and symptoms of respiratory illness within 14 days after returning from an affected area, faculty and staff should contact the Occupational Health Clinic for further evaluation while students should contact Student Health.
While the risk of 2019-nCoV transmission remains low in the United States, we must remain vigilant and cautious.For questions or additional information, please contact VUMC Department of Infection Prevention at 936-0725 or via pager 835-1205..