VUMC Infection Prevention continues to monitor coronavirus situation
Message from Tom Talbot, MD, MPH, Chief Hospital Epidemiologist for VUMC:
As the 2019 Novel Coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2 which causes COVID-19) continues to spread, with new cases reported in, among other places, Northern Italy, Iran, Japan, and South Korea, VUMC continues to monitor the outbreak closely. We are also aware of the announcement of a new case in California which may indicate some non-travel related spread of the virus. We remain in close contact with public health authorities to assess what this case means for ongoing preparations.
- Starting immediately, the travel screening questions have been broadened to include Japan, Hong Kong, South Korea, Italy and Iran. Any patient with fever and respiratory symptoms who have recently travelled to these areas will cause the travel alert to flag, and you should contact Infection Prevention as directed.
- Just yesterday, the CDC added a new category of patients who should be considered for testing for COVID-19 infection: Fever with severe acute lower respiratory illness (e.g., pneumonia, ARDS) requiring hospitalization and without alternative explanatory diagnosis (e.g., influenza, other viral testing positive). If you have any patients that may meet these criteria, please notify Infection Prevention for further discussion.
- Importantly, patients not meeting these criteria or travel link at this time can be managed per usual care. If this changes, we will update you.
- There are no changes in the recommended infection prevention precautions that should be followed for suspected COVID-19 patients.
- As of Monday, the Tennessee State Laboratory is able to conduct our testing for suspected patients. Testing requests must go through the Department of Infection Prevention, who then needs to get approval from the Tennessee Department of Health.
Finally, it’s important to note that the situation continues to change as new information is reported, and that VUMC officials continue to monitor and plan our response. We pledge to update employees and students about any new information or changes in policy or procedures.
Previous updates are available here: