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!®.
Second Strain of Bird Flu Found in US Dairy Cows: What It Means for Infection Prevention and Control
February 7th 2025A new H5N1 strain was found in Nevada dairy cows, challenging earlier transmission theories. This raises concerns about animal vulnerability, human health risks, and food safety. Experts emphasize the need for improved surveillance, biosecurity, and cross-sector collaboration to contain the virus spread.
Fungal Infections: The Silent Epidemic Threatening Global Health
February 6th 2025Fungal infections are a rising global threat, with antifungal resistance complicating treatment. Neil J. Clancy, MD, emphasizes the urgent need for research, better diagnostics, and stronger infection prevention strategies.
Hiding in Plain Sight: The Most Harmful and Costly Hospital-Acquired Infection
February 5th 2025Nonventilator hospital-acquired pneumonia (NV-HAP) is a deadly, overlooked infection impacting patient outcomes. With new diagnostic tools and prevention strategies, hospitals must prioritize oral hygiene to reduce risk.
Breaking Barriers: The Future of HIV Prevention and the Fight for Widespread PrEP Access
January 31st 2025Despite medical advances, HIV prevention faces roadblocks—low PrEP adoption, stigma, and accessibility issues threaten progress. Experts push for innovative, long-acting solutions to end the epidemic.
Clean Hospitals With Alexandra Peters, PhD: The Double-Edged Sword of High-Tech
January 30th 2025Despite revolutionary advancements like alcohol-based hand rubs, infection prevention still faces major hurdles. Poor adherence to hygiene, overreliance on technology, and understaffed environmental services create perfect storm conditions for deadly outbreaks.
Second Strain of Bird Flu Found in US Dairy Cows: What It Means for Infection Prevention and Control
February 7th 2025A new H5N1 strain was found in Nevada dairy cows, challenging earlier transmission theories. This raises concerns about animal vulnerability, human health risks, and food safety. Experts emphasize the need for improved surveillance, biosecurity, and cross-sector collaboration to contain the virus spread.
Fungal Infections: The Silent Epidemic Threatening Global Health
February 6th 2025Fungal infections are a rising global threat, with antifungal resistance complicating treatment. Neil J. Clancy, MD, emphasizes the urgent need for research, better diagnostics, and stronger infection prevention strategies.
Hiding in Plain Sight: The Most Harmful and Costly Hospital-Acquired Infection
February 5th 2025Nonventilator hospital-acquired pneumonia (NV-HAP) is a deadly, overlooked infection impacting patient outcomes. With new diagnostic tools and prevention strategies, hospitals must prioritize oral hygiene to reduce risk.
Breaking Barriers: The Future of HIV Prevention and the Fight for Widespread PrEP Access
January 31st 2025Despite medical advances, HIV prevention faces roadblocks—low PrEP adoption, stigma, and accessibility issues threaten progress. Experts push for innovative, long-acting solutions to end the epidemic.
Clean Hospitals With Alexandra Peters, PhD: The Double-Edged Sword of High-Tech
January 30th 2025Despite revolutionary advancements like alcohol-based hand rubs, infection prevention still faces major hurdles. Poor adherence to hygiene, overreliance on technology, and understaffed environmental services create perfect storm conditions for deadly outbreaks.
2 Commerce Drive
Cranbury, NJ 08512