First Human-to-Human Coronavirus Transmission in US Confirmed
The World Health Organization has just declared the outbreak a global health emergency.
Almost from the beginning of the Wuhan coronavirus outbreak, the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) warned about traveling and interacting with anybody who’s traveled abroad, especially to China. Today the CDC confirmed the first human-to-human transmission of the disease in the United States. It’s the spouse of the Chicago woman who caught the virus when traveling to Wuhan. Shortly after that announcement, the World Health Organization (WHO) labeled the outbreak i a public health emergency of international concern (PHEIC).
To date, more than 6000 cases of the 2019-nCoV have been reported worldwide. The WHO notes that approximately 1% of cases have occurred outside of China.
Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, PhD, WHO director-general, explained that individuals who have contracted 2019-nCoV are experiencing a wide variety of symptoms. In most patients, symptoms are milder, but approximately 1 in 5 individuals have experienced severe illness including severe pneumonia and respiratory failure.
As of January 29, 2020, there have been 7736 confirmed cases of the virus with 170 associated deaths.
Yesterday a flight carrying approximately 210 US citizens who were evacuated from Wuhan, China, arrived at March Air Reserve Base in California.
According to the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the aircraft was met by medical officers from the agency to evaluate the health of each passenger. The individuals were each evaluated prior to boarding the plane and along the journey.
Additionally, the CDC is working with the California Department of Public Health and Riverside Country Public Health to transport patients exhibiting symptoms further evaluation. Individuals who are not showing symptoms will be asked to stay at the base and provided housing to allow for CDC medical officers to continue to perform screening and to learn more about exposure.
Earlier this week the CDC updated its guidance regarding travel to China, the hotspot and origin of the 2019-nCoV outbreak.
The agency has issued a level 3 travel health notice that recommends that all US travelers avoid nonessential travel to the entire country of China.
This first appeared in ContagionLive!®.
From the Derby to the Decontam Room: Leadership Lessons for Sterile Processing
April 27th 2025Elizabeth (Betty) Casey, MSN, RN, CNOR, CRCST, CHL, is the SVP of Operations and Chief Nursing Officer at Surgical Solutions in Overland, Kansas. This SPD leader reframes preparation, unpredictability, and teamwork by comparing surgical services to the Kentucky Derby to reenergize sterile processing professionals and inspire systemic change.
Show, Tell, Teach: Elevating EVS Training Through Cognitive Science and Performance Coaching
April 25th 2025Training EVS workers for hygiene excellence demands more than manuals—it requires active engagement, motor skills coaching, and teach-back techniques to reduce HAIs and improve patient outcomes.
The Rise of Disposable Products in Health Care Cleaning and Linens
April 25th 2025Health care-associated infections are driving a shift toward disposable microfiber cloths, mop pads, and curtains—offering infection prevention, regulatory compliance, and operational efficiency in one-time-use solutions.
Phage Therapy’s Future: Tackling Antimicrobial Resistance With Precision Viruses
April 24th 2025Bacteriophage therapy presents a promising alternative to antibiotics, especially as antimicrobial resistance continues to increase. Dr. Ran Nir-Paz discusses its potential, challenges, and future applications in this technology.
