Rep. Mark Green Update On Coronavirus (COVID-19)
As an emergency medicine physician, I want to ensure everyone has the latest details on COVID-19.
The virus has peaked in its initial ground zero location, Wuhan, China effective February 2, 2020. Further, a WHO mission to China discovered that so far, the virus DNA has not changed, meaning to date there is no mutation. In Wuhan, China, the fatality rate is just over 3%. Outside Wuhan the fatality rate is 0.7%.
There are 78,064 confirmed cases in China, with 2,715 deaths. Deaths outside China have reached 55. There are 2,906 cases outside China. The US now has 60 cases, a very low number for a nation of over 300 million, probably because of President Trump’s rapidly initiated travel ban.
Currently the following travel advisories are in effect:
China – Level 4 No American should travel to China
South Korea – Level 3 Avoid non-essential travel
Japan, Italy and Iran are Level 2 Travelers should take precautions
US cases are up to 60, 45 of whom were repatriated. Forty-two of the repatriated patients were on the Princess Cruise Ship. Of the 15 not repatriated, only 1 remans in the hospital. Two patients acquired the disease in the US from another infected individual.
The challenge to controlling the virus is its incubation period which ranges to 14 days. Patient can spread the virus without even knowing they are sick. Clinically, patients present with upper respiratory tract infection symptoms that can progress to fever, cough and shortness of breath. No child less than 9 years of age has died from the virus. The virus impacts the elderly more severely. In severe cases the virus causes a bilateral pneumonia which is atypical of most other viruses.
One of the antivirals, Remdesivir has shown signs of working and is continuing to be evaluated. It is currently under a clinical trial comparing it to placebo. This trial should be completed within a few months. Because this disease impacts the elderly, the use of a vaccine to combat the virus is a great option. The timeframe for a vaccine will begin testing within 2 – 3 months. That phase one test will take three months. Phase two with large numbers of patients will take 8 – 10 months.
Patients with mild disease will recover in two weeks. For those with severe disease, about 20%, recovery is three to six weeks.
The virus is spread through coughs and sneezes. When a patient coughs into their hand and then touches a surface they can place the virus on that surface. If a person comes along and touches that surface and then their mouth or nose, or eyes, they can acquire the disease.
CDC has developed a test for diagnosing the illness. Strategic national stockpiles of medical supplies are fully stocked and ready for use. Domestic production is being ramped up in case there is a need.
What Americans Should Do to Prevent Spread:
*Avoid close contact with sick people
*Avoid touching eyes, nose and mouth
*Stay home if sick
*Cover coughs and sneezes, preferably with an arm, not a palm of your hand
*Disinfect often touched objects and surfaces
*Use hand sanitizer liberally
*Wash hands frequently
For more information, visit the Centers for Disease Control and the S.C. Department of Health and Environmental Control.
