A novel coronavirus (2019-nCoV) emerged in Wuhan, China in December 2019, and recently spread to additional countries, including the United States. The South Dakota Department of Health (SD-DOH) would like to remind clinicians to ask about travel history for all patients presenting at clinics and hospitals. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has released guidance for the evaluation of individuals experiencing mild to severe respiratory symptoms (fever, cough, shortness of breath) with a travel history to Wuhan, China.
The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) is committed to the protection of patients and residents of healthcare facilities from the spread of infectious disease. Every Medicare participating facility in the Nation’s healthcare system must adhere to standards for infection prevention and control in order to provide safe, high quality care. As concerns arise with the emerging 2019 Novel Coronavirus (2019-nCoV) threat, CMS encourages all healthcare facilities to carefully review the information provided by our partners at the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). CDC has issued an updated interim Health Alert Network (HAN) Advisory, information about CDC’s response to 2019-nCoV as well as recommendations for healthcare facilities. Because coronavirus infections can rapidly appear and spread, facilities must take steps to prepare, including reviewing their infection control policies and practices to prevent the spread of infection. There are currently over 37,500 cases and 813 deaths from the Coronavirus. Click here for the latest numbers as of Feb 10
Please see the information below for pertinent updates and links:
- There are currently no cases of novel coronavirus in South Dakota.
- Clinicians are requested to consult with the SD-DOH by calling 605-773-3737 or 800-592-1861 when evaluating a person who has:
- Fever AND symptoms of lower respiratory illness (e.g., cough, shortness of breath) AND symptom onset within 14 days of travel to Wuhan, China (or close contact to a confirmed case of novel coronavirus or person under investigation for infection with novel coronavirus).
- General information about the novel coronavirus can be found on the CDC website
- 2019 Novel Coronavirus Toolkit
- Guidance from CMS
South Dakotans can take the following precautions to avoid illness:
- Contact your medical provider if you become ill after international travel.
- Cover your nose and mouth when you cough or sneeze (with a tissue or into your sleeve).
- Avoid touching your eyes, nose, or mouth.
- Wash hands often with soap and water (or alcohol-based hand gel).
- Stay home if you are sick.
- Follow CDC’s Travel Health Notices if you are traveling internationally.
