Coronavirus outbreak in California. Get answers to your questions from specialist
The California Department of Public Health reported on Feb. 26 that a case of COVID-19 in a resident of Solano County who had no history of travel, no known contact with any travelers or individuals quarantined at Travis Air Force Base, which is located in that county.
ChrisAnna Mink, who is a pediatrician and infectious disease specialist working with The Modesto Bee newsroom as a health reporter through the Report for America program, took questions from people concerned about how the outbreak might affect them.
Send us your questions in the form at the bottom of this story.
What makes the case from Solano County unique?
Public health officials said that this case could be the first community-based transmission of the novel coronavirus identified in the United States.
If community transmission is occurring, containment of the coronavirus could be difficult, making the risk of outbreak more likely.
What’s public health’s response to COVID-19?
The CDC has recommended that individuals, schools, businesses and communities get prepared now 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
On Thursday, Gov. Gavin Newsom, Dr. Mark Ghaly, state Secretary of Health and Human Services, Dr. Sonia Angell, Director of CDPH, and Mark Ghilarducci, Director of the Governor Office of Emergency Services held a news conference discussing the state’s response to COVID-19, which was described as happening in collaboration with the CDC, the Trump administration and other agencies of the federal government.
Newsom said the state has met other infectious challenges, such as H1N1 influenza, with expertise and preparedness and ‘they’re in the rear view mirror,” and in like fashion the state is “meeting this moment.”
Angell said the state Medical Health Coordination Center has been activated, which enhances coordination with local and regional health agencies. Ghilarducci said that OES is doing everything that they can to assure that the state Health and Human Services agency has all of the assets that they need to respond.
How is the novel coronavirus spread?
The COVID-19 virus is spread by respiratory droplets, including airborne from an uncovered cough or sneeze, generally within six feet of the infected person. It can also survive on surfaces, such that if a person touches the contaminated surface and then touches his/her mouth, nose or eyes, they can get infected. However, the duration of survival in the environment is not yet known. In comparison, influenza virus can survive on surfaces for about 24 hours.
How can you avoid getting infected by coronavirus?
Understanding how the coronavirus is spread provides a good reminder for the steps to take to decrease your chances of getting infected including:
- Good hand hygiene — wash your hands with soap and water, or use 60-95% alcohol-based hand sanitizers. Use soap and water if your hands are visibly soiled. Wash all surfaces of your hands and fingers for the duration of time it takes to sing the “Happy Birthday” song.
- Good respiratory hygiene — cover coughs and sneezes with disposable tissues or cough into a bent elbow, not into your hands
- Clean “high touch” environmental surfaces at least daily, and more often if soiled
- Avoid contact with sick people
- Stay home if you’re sick — avoid contact with others and don’t go to work or school
How many cases are in California?
As of Feb. 27, Dr. Angell said in the press conference that there are 33 individuals who have tested positive for the novel coronavirus, including 24 individuals who arrived on the flights from China and other outbreak areas of Asia, seven cases that are related to travel, one spouse of person returning from travel and the one case of possible community transmission discussed above.
Are more coronavirus cases expected?
The simple answer is yes. Both the Centers for Disease Control and CDPH officials expect more cases to be identified in the state and nationally.
With the availability of more testing, more cases are likely to be identified. At the beginning of any outbreaks, the worst cases are the ones that first come to medical attention, essentially the tip of the iceberg. As broader testing is performed, people with milder or no symptoms can be identified.
At Thursday’s press conference, Gov. Newsom said that the state had about 200 test kits for coronavirus, which is inadequate. The CDC has assured him that they will be supplying “exponentially more test kits” in the next few days.
He said the test kits will be used for surveillance as well as diagnosing suspected cases. Surveillance testing generally includes testing individuals who don’t have symptoms to help get a better understanding of the spread of a pathogen.
For example, people who aren’t ill would not routinely qualify for viral testing. However, should they test positive, it helps public health officials understand how the virus can spread. One question they hope to answer: Can the virus be spread by people who don’t have symptoms?
Newsom said in light of the case in Solano County possibly due to community transmission, the CDC is in the process of revising the protocol for who can be tested and that California officials are prepared to implement testing.
How deadly is the novel coronavirus?
Dr. Angell said that about 85% of all identified cases are mild, but a few progress to severe pneumonia and the fatality rate is about 2%.
In comparison, annual influenza case fatality rate is less than 1%, however, so far this year in the U.S. there have been 16,000 influenza related deaths, including 105 in children.
Are children at greater risk for severe COVID-19?
Primarily based upon the experience in China, children appear to have milder disease due to the novel coronavirus. Scientists are evaluating why children seem to fare better with the infection.
Interestingly, children 12 or younger also had milder symptoms than adults with the 2002 SARS virus, which is related to COVID-19 virus.
However, precautions similar to those for adults should also be maintained for children to help limit their risk of infection.
Should you change your travel plans?
Travelers should monitor the CDC travel advisories related to this coronavirus. Currently, the agency has recommended avoiding all non-essential travel to China and South Korea.
Because this is an evolving situation, consideration should be given to travel insurance, especially related to international trips in the coming months.
Is it time to panic?
Panic rarely contributes positively to any situation. Stay informed from reliable public health agencies and prepare yourself and your loved ones for a possible outbreak.
Angell said, “We plan for the worst, but also the best, so we’re ready for anything.”
This 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 February 27, 2020 at 2:05 PM with the headline "Coronavirus outbreak in California. Get answers to your questions from specialist."
