A recent e-mail was sent to us from TAPI regarding the recent outbreak of the coronavirus. We would like to share this information with our provider network.
There is an outbreak of pneumonia in Wuhan, China caused by a new type of coronavirus (2019-nCoV). There are currently more than 300 cases identified in China with exported cases in Thailand, Japan, South Korea, and the United States (Washington State). There have been no cases reported in Arizona.
Arizona clinicians are recommended to:
- Obtain a detailed travel history for patients being evaluated with fever and acute respiratory illness. Consider testing for seasonal respiratory illnesses, like influenza.
- Isolate and mask patients presenting with acute respiratory illness and recent travel from Wuhan City, China in the last 14 days.
- Healthcare personnel entering the room should use standard precautions, contact precautions, airborne precautions, and use eye protection (e.g., goggles or a face shield).
- Immediately notify your healthcare facility’s infection control personnel and local health department.
- Coordinate with the local health department for specimen collection, transport, and testing for suspect cases.
The Arizona Department of Health Services and local health departments are coordinating surveillance and communication with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention regarding 2019-nCoV.
As always, don't hesitate to contact your
Mercy Care
Provider Relations Representative with any questions or comments. You can find this notice and all other provider notices on our
Mercy Care
website.
Thank you for your attention to this important health issue.
