The man is a resident of Snohomish County, Wash., and was hospitalized with pneumonia last week after returning from a trip near Wuhan, China, where the outbreak began. Since the coronavirus case was confirmed Jan. 20, the Dow has plummeted 200 points, CNN reports.
China has confirmed 18 deaths related to the outbreak, with over 500 sickened. Coronavirus cases have also been confirmed in Taiwan, Japan, Thailand and South Korea. Travelers from Wuhan will be screened at five U.S. airports, the CDC confirmed Jan. 21.
Nashville, Tenn.-based Vanderbilt University Medical Center changed electronic prompts Jan. 20 so incoming patients with a fever or respiratory symptoms are asked if they have been to China recently or have had contact with anyone who has recently visited China.
Hospitals nationwide are likely taking similar steps to quickly identify infected patients and place them in isolation so they can be cared for safely, William Schaffner, MD, an infectious disease specialist with Vanderbilt University Medical Center and medical director of the National Foundation for Infectious Disease, told The New York Times.
WHO officials will decide if the outbreak should be declared a global health emergency Jan. 22.
More articles on clinical leadership and infection control:
NIH working on vaccine for Chinese pneumonia outbreak
Newark Beth Israel put patients in ‘immediate jeopardy,’ CMS says
Flu has killed 6,600 Americans, CDC estimates
Becker’s 3rd Annual Fall Chief Pharmacy Officer Summit is the top tier event that the people leading the future of pharmacy convene. This 3-day event is built specifically for Chief Pharmacy Officers and senior pharmacy leaders. The sessions examine the workforce, financial and clinical priorities shaping pharmacy today. Becker’s is where candid discussions flourish and new ideas thrive. Becker's 3rd Annual Fall Chief Pharmacy Officer Summit
