CDC Expects Community Spread of Coronavirus In U.S.

[J.Adderton, BSN, MSN]

On Tuesday, February 25th, the Center for Disease Control (CDC) held a telebriefing to update the media on the agency’s response to COVID-19.  Federal health officials are implementing preparedness and response plans, as more cases are expected in the U.S. Dr. Nancy Messonnier, director of the National Center for Immunization and Respiratory Diseases emphasized U.S. community spread is expected.

Quote

It’s not so much a question of if this will happen anymore, but more of a question of exactly when this will happen and how many people in this country will have severe illness. -Dr. Nancy Messonnier

Locations of Virus Detection

The coronavirus was first detected in Wuhan City, Hubei Province, China.  Now named “coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19)”, the virus has been detected in 37 locations internationally, including cases in the U.S.  A U.S. soldier has been diagnosed while stationed in South Korea, where more than 1,140 cases have been detected. Update On U.S. Cases

As of February 25th, there have been 14 COVID-19 confirmed cases in the following states:

• Arizona (1)
• California (8)
• Illinois (2 cases)
• Massachusetts (1)
• Washington (1)
• Winsconsin (1)

Of the 14 cases, twelve were related to travel to China and two through close contact with a diagnosed individual. 

Repatriated Cases

There has been an additional 3 cases reported among U.S. citizens, residents and their families returning from Hubei province, China and 36 from the Diamond Princess Cruise ship docked in Yokohama, Japan.

To date, there have been no reported deaths from COVID-19 in the U.S.

CDC Public Health Response

A total of 1,336 CDC staff members have been working with state, local, tribal and territorial health departments to assist with case identification, evaluation and medical management.  In addition, the CDC is collaborating with academic partners to understand the virus characteristics, such as risk for transmission. CDC multidisciplinary teams include:

• Physicians
• Nurses
• Pharmacists
• Epidemiologists
• Veterinarians
• Laboratorians
• Communicators
• Data scientist and modelers
• Coordination staff

Containment and Mitigation

According to Dr. Messonnier, the CDC will work to prevent the spread of the virus, while also implementing strategies to soften community impact. Currently, there’s no vaccination available to prevent COVID-19 and no targeted medications to treat.  Therefore, nonpharmacological interventions (NPIs) will be used within communities. NPI categories addressed will include:

• Personal - daily personal protective measures
• Community - social distancing to keep those sick/diagnosed away from others
• Environmental - surface cleaning measures

Dr. Messonnier reports CDC has been successful in slowing the spread of COVID-19 in the U.S., as well as, allowing more time for the country to prepare. She also warned as more countries experience community spread, it will be harder to successfully contain U.S. borders.

Risk Assessment

According to the CDC, COVID-19 poses a high potential public health threat in both the U.S. and globally. But, individual risk of contracting the virus depends on exposure.

• This immediate health risk from COVID-19 for the general U.S. public, who are unlikely to be exposed to the virus at this time, is considered low.
• Individuals who care for patients with COVID-19, such as healthcare workers, will have an increased risk of infection.

If the virus reaches pandemic levels, the risk assessment would likely change.

Listen To The Full Briefing

Listen to the full February 25th CDC telebriefing here.

Follow updates at CDC’s COVID-19 U.S. Situational Summary

Let Us Hear From You

What is your employer and/or community doing to prepare for COVID-19?

References

CDC’s COVID-19 informational website