Update: Novel Coronavirus

As you may be aware, CDC is closely monitoring a novel coronavirus (2019-nCoV) outbreak in Wuhan City, Hubei Province, China.  The virus is causing respiratory symptoms which can include pneumonia.  There have been nearly 300 confirmed human infections and at least six associated deaths.   

There appears to be an association to a large seafood and animal market in Wuhan.  While animal to human transmission appears to be responsible for many of the cases, Chinese Health Authorities have confirmed that human to human transmission has also occurred. 

Due to the Lunar New Year, January is the peak travel season throughout China.

Michigan Medicine has added travel to Wuhan, China to the existing travel screening to capture at-risk patients upon entry to the Health System.  The updated travel screening went live on Thursday, January 23. Patients identified as meeting symptom (fever/respiratory symptoms) and travel criteria will be cared for using Special Pathogens Precautions:

• Patient placed in Respiratory Isolation Room (if not available, place in a regular room and keep the door closed)

• Gloves,  Gown, eye protection, and respirator required for entry to patient room

• Pregnant women and immunocompromised health care workers are advised not to provide care to patients being managed in Special Pathogens Precautions.

Early identification is the key to taking appropriate precautions.

Michigan Medicine employees that have traveled to Wuhan or other impacted areas as reported by CDC and WHO should monitor themselves for the following symptoms for 14 days upon return.  If employees develop fever, cough or difficulty breathing, they should not report to work and should seek medical care, making sure to report their travel so that proper infection prevention measures can be taken to avoid transmission to others.

Thank you for your cooperation as this situation evolves to ensure a safe environment for our patients and health care workers.

If you have any questions, please contact Infection Prevention & Epidemiology at 734-936-6355 or page at 30032.