Wyoming Nurses Association

Updates and Resources on the Wuhan Coronavirus

Posted about 4 years ago

The following excerpt is from ANA and you can view more information and resources at https://www.nursingworld.org/coronavirus

 

What is 2019 Novel Coronavirus – 2019-nCoV

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) are closely monitoring an on-going outbreak of 2019 Novel Coronavirus (2019-nCoV) in Wuhan, China. Cases have been identified in multiple countries, including the United States. Coronaviruses are not a new family of viruses and are common in different species of animals including camels, cattle, cats, and bats.1 In humans, there are multiple strains that can cause mild respiratory symptoms or even the common cold.  In years prior, other strains have been associated with SARS and MERS. According to the CDC, early cases of 2019-nCoV identified a link to a large seafood and live animal market suggesting emergence from an animal reservoir and animal-to-person transmission. However, subsequent patients reporting no exposure to animal markets indicate person-to-person transmission.

It has been determined that transmission of 2019-nCoV can occur person to person, but it is unclear how and how easily 2019-nCoV is transmitted.2 The CDC has issued interim travel guidelines and guidelines for entry screening of passengers on direct and connecting flights from Wuhan, China to twenty main ports of entry in the U.S.  It is advised that health care professionals inform state and local health departments of identified cases to aid in contact tracking and to monitor the spread of the virus.

Symptoms associated with 2019-nCoV include mild to severe respiratory illness with symptoms of fever, cough, and shortness of breath.3 The CDC believes the incubation period lasts 2-14 days after exposure based on what has been seen previously as the incubation period of MERS viruses.4 However, limited information is available on the full scope of the illness associated with 2019-nCoV and if the virus is spread during the incubation period. As the situation continues to rapidly evolve, the CDC continues to closely monitor the outbreak. Currently, there is no vaccine available to consumers.

Footnotes

  1. 2019 Novel Coronavirus, Wuhan China Transmission. (2020, January 24). Retrieved from https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/about/transmission.html
  2. 2019 Novel Coronavirus, Wuhan China About 2019-nCoV, (2020, January 24). Retrieved from https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/about/index.html
  3. 2019 Novel Coronavirus, Wuhan China Symptoms and Complications. (2020, January 24). Retrieved from https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/about/symptoms.html
  4. 2019 Novel Coronavirus, Wuhan China Preventing 2019-nCoV from spreading. (2020, January 24). Retrieved from https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/guidance-prevent-spread.html

 

 

To view the statement from the World Health Organization, click HERE

To view the CDC’s healthcare professional preparedness checklist, click HERE

To view the CDC’s hospital preparedness checklist, click HERE