CDC Confirms First Person-to-Person Transfer of Novel Coronavirus in the United States
On January 30, 2020, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention affirmed the first instance of person-to-person spread of the 2019 Novel Coronavirus (2019-nCov) in the US.
All prior confirmed US cases had been linked with visits to Wuhan, China, where the virus originated in December 2019. However, this latest patient from Illinois had not been to Wuhan but lived with a 2019-nCov patient diagnosed earlier. They were located through contact tracing and both patients are now in stable condition.
photo credit: CDC
This is a wake-up call for the CDC, who now realize the grave danger this virus could pose to citizens. As a way to curtail further spread, they have been working closely with local and state partners to locate close contacts of confirmed 2019-nCov patients.
As CDC Director, Robert R. Redfield, M.D, commented, “Given what we’ve seen in China and other countries with the novel coronavirus, CDC experts have expected some person-to-person spread in the US. We understand this may be concerning, but based on what we know now, we still believe the immediate risk to the American public is low”.
In other countries, imported cases of 2019-nCov from infected travelers have been observed to spread to close contacts. However, it is still uncertain how person-to-person spread will unfold in the coming weeks.
Two other types of coronavirus – MERS, and SARS – can cause person-to-person spread. However, only those in close contact, like health workers or family members of an infected person are at greatest risk. That is why the CDC has been putting proactive measures in place to manage the spread of this virus.
On January 8, they alerted clinicians to report patients with respiratory illness and recent travel to Wuhan. Moreover, CDC has helped clinicians develop guidance for the testing and management of the virus, as well as procedures for the hospitalization of infected patients.
Since this first case was identified, CDC has been collaborating with local partners and Illinois health officers to investigate the extent of the spread.
As we progress into the coming weeks, new cases will likely arise, including person-to-person spread. The best approach to avoid contracting the virus is to prevent exposure. That is why CDC will keep informing the public on ways to remain safe.
Since the spread of 2019-nCov is still very limited in the US, CDC deems it as low risk to the general public. However, the risk of infection significantly skyrockets for people in close contact with infected patients. These people should follow CDC’s guideline that outlines the precautions to prevent the spread among families and local communities. However, other members of the public have little to fear at the moment, and only simply daily precautions are suggested.
CDC suggests getting vaccinated since we are in flu season and also practicing proper hygiene to prevent transferring germs. Most importantly, CDC recommends the cancellation of all non-essential trips to China.
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