The first person in the United States confirmed to have the Wuhan coronavirus, which originated in China, is in isolation in a Seattle hospital. According to The Centers for Disease Control, three weeks after Chinese officials announced the outbreak of the new virus, more than 400 people in China have been sickened and 17 have died, leading to questions of just how alarmed the public should be. The coronavirus, or 2019-nCoV, began at an animal and seafood market in the city of Wuhan and has since spread to several other countries, including the United States. The illness is now said to be transferable between humans.
In the video, healthcare workers at The University of Kansas Health System are shown undergoing training on how to handle a severe infectious disease encounter, including how to protect themselves and the patient. Also in the video, Dr. Dana Hawkinson, an infectious disease specialist at The University of Kansas Health System. He says this is being called a novel virus, meaning it’s new, and they still don’t know a whole lot about it. He says the health system is working with the CDC to stay ahead of the curve, including the ongoing training, and posting travel warning signs throughout the hospital. Dr. Hawkinson describes the symptoms, mild cold, runny nose flu-like symptoms…but says patients can become sick enough to be hospitalized. He says this looks more dangerous than a typical coronavirus, and the most important prevention is good handwashing measures, and being aware anytime your hands touch your nose or mouth.
Also in the video, Shelly Schwedhelm, executive director of Emergency Management and Biopreparedness at Nebraska Medicine, who is participating in the training with The University of Kansas Health System staff. She talks about the ongoing efforts to be prepared for any type infectious disease.
