Stanislaus County public health update for coronavirus. No cases yet, but be prepared
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A video interview Monday afternoon with Dr. Julie Vaishampayan, Stanislaus County public health officer, can be found at modbee.com.
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The novel coronavirus that causes COVID-19 is spreading globally and in the United States. Possibly the only thing spreading faster are rumors about the infection.
“There are no cases of of COVID-19 in Stanislaus County to date,” said Dr. Julie Vaishampayan, public health officer for Stanislaus County Health Services Agency.
Vaishampayan said that public health has been receiving a lot of calls and also hearing the rumors about cases in the county, but emphasized that no cases have been confirmed.
She said there is growing evidence of community transmission through the country, including in nearby counties but so far Stanislaus County has been spared.
However, she said, “We need to prepare.”
“Based on the information we know at this time, the risk of infection to the general population remains low,” Vaishampayan said. “As information changes, the risks may change and we will be sure to communicate updates with our population.”
The novel coronavirus, called SARS-CoV-2, was first reported from Wuhan, China in late December 2019, and by Sunday there have been 74 cases and at least one death in eight states in the U.S.
A woman from Solano County was the first person with COVID-19 with no known source related to travel to China, suggesting community-based transmission.
As of March 1, more than 35 individuals in California have tested positive, including seven cases identified in Santa Clara County.
Worldwide, more than 87,000 cases and 7,000 deaths have been reported by the World Health Organization.
COVID-19 symptoms include fever, cough and shortness of breath. More than 80% of infected people have mild or no symptoms, but some progress to pneumonia, which can lead to death. The case fatality rate is estimated at 2%.
The elderly and those with underlying health problems are at higher risk for severe disease and death. So far, children seem to have milder disease.
Coronavirus testing
On Saturday, California Department of Public Health announced that additional testing kits for the virus had arrived in the state as promised by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
Stanislaus County public health partners with San Joaquin Public Health Services for viral testing.
Vaishampayan said all testing for the coronavirus is facilitated through county public health, and samples are sent to the San Joaquin lab, processed and then sent to the highly respected CDPH laboratory.
The state lab is operating seven days a week and results are made available within 48 hours.
With the growing recognition of possible community transmission, the CDC revised the criteria for testing someone with suspected COVID-19, called a person under investigation or PUI, including not requiring a history of travel or known contact to a case or traveler from China for some ill individuals.
Vaishampayan said that the system in place is following the FDA Emergency Use of the viral testing and must conform with CDC criteria. Emergency use means that the test kit has not yet been licensed for public distribution but permits use in an emergency or life-threatening situation, such as this outbreak.
With wider availability of testing, identification of more cases is expected.
Planning for an outbreak
“While it is possible that an outbreak won’t happen here, now is the time to prepare,” said Vaishampayan.
She said that the actions recommended by public health will depend upon the extent of viral activity in the county, and the agency will continue to provide timely updates to the public.
She said part of preparedness should include the following:
- People should maintain physical distances of 3 to 6 ft from others to help prevent spread of the virus
- Large gatherings and public events may need to be postponed or canceled, but not yet
- In the future, schools at all levels from childcare to college may need to be dismissed
- Make plans with your employers, such as working from home or altering shift schedules
- Plan for childcare if schools are dismissed, for example shared childcare for well children with other parents
Vaishampayan also provided other actions to “best protect yourself and your community,” including:
- Plan ways to care for people at higher risk, for example arrange to have a an emergency supply of medications at home and have contact information for their doctor
- Get to know your neighbors and discuss ways to support each other in case of disruptions to daily lives, such as sharing childcare for healthy kids, drop off food at the doorsteps of neighbors in need
- Join neighborhood social media groups if they’re available
- Follow everyday health practices, such as hand washing, cough hygiene, avoiding sick people and staying home if you’re ill
The CDC has also recommended getting prepared in case of a widespread outbreak of the novel coronavirus. Additional information can be found here: https://www.modbee.com/news/nation-world/national/article240661101.html
“Get your information from a reliable source and stay informed, don’t panic and get prepared,” said Vaishampayan.
On Monday, Dr. Vaishampayan will provide an up-to-the-minute report with editors of The Modesto Bee on YouTube Live.
his story was produced with financial support from The Stanislaus County Office of Education and the Stanislaus Community Foundation, along with the GroundTruth Project’s Report for America initiative. The Modesto Bee maintains full editorial control of this work.
This story was originally published March 2, 2020 at 8:47 AM.
