A handful of Americans have tested positive for the 2019 novel coronavirus, but an infection prevention specialist with OSF Healthcare says the risk level is still low for U.S. residents.
The outbreak’s epicenter is Wuhan, China and in the few cases of Americans testing positive, they have recently traveled to that region of China.
The Centers for Disease Control has identified five Americans who likely have the virus, all recent travels to Wuhan, although they’ve been quarantined to prevent the spreading of what’s Terri McCrery is an Infection Preventionist with OSF Healthcare, covering Galesburg, Monmouth and Kewanee health centers, and says that most Americans should be more concerned over a tough flu year.
However, OSF takes precautions and is ready to treat anyone who may be infected with the 2019 novel coronavirus.
McCrery says that OSF has been screening all patients who travel outside the U.S. and have done so since the global Ebola outbreak in 2014.
“We will be taking special precautions for any patient that has traveled to China or other countries where the coronavirus has been diagnosed and if they have the symptoms: cough, difficulty breathing, fever, runny nose, sore throat.”
Fever, cough, and shortness of breath are the most common symptoms shown by those infected.
If someone did show symptoms of the virus, they would be isolated, likely an airborne infection room, and would be treated with fever and pain reduction medications, rest and lots of liquid.
The origin and the virus’ ability to spread are unknown at this time.
