MEDICAL ADVISORY: Novel Coronavirus (2019 -nCoV)

Issued by:  Gayane Hovhannisyan, MD, MPH, PhD, FRCPC, Acting Associate Medical Officer of Health 

Background

• Public Health is closely monitoring an outbreak caused by a novel (new) coronavirus first identified in Wuhan City, Hubei Province, China [i]

• This virus is genetically distinct from the common human coronaviruses (229E, NL63, OC43, HKU1), which cause seasonal acute respiratory illness. It is also genetically distinct from MERS-CoV and SARS-CoV. [ii]

• To date, no cases of 2019-nCoV have been reported in Ontario. The total number of cases [iii], and suspect cases, internationally are evolving daily.

Recommended Health Care Professional Action

• 2019–nCoV was declared a Disease of Public Health Significance [iv] on January 22, 2020, therefore, immediately notify Public Health of any suspect cases
• Individuals at risk: those who have traveled to the city of Wuhan, China within 14 days, or has come in contact with a case, prior to the onset of acute fever and respiratory illness OR pneumonia  
• Place suspect case(s) on droplet/contact precautions in a single room preferably with negative pressure.  N95 fit tested respirators should be worn for aerosol-generating procedures and during the collection of laboratory specimens.[v]
• Advise patients planning to travel to consult the Health Canada Advisory [vi]

 Laboratory Testing

• In the community setting, if you are considering testing for 2019-nCoV please contact Public Health. Please note prior approval is required from the PHO Laboratory before submission.[vii]

Resources

[i] World Health Organization - Coronavirus

[ii] Public Health Ontario Novel Coronavirus Test Information Sheet

[iii] ProMed International Society for Infectious Diseases

[iv] Ministry of Health – Newsroom Update January 22, 2020

[v] Public Health Ontario Routine Practices and Additional Precautions

[vi] Government of Canada Travel Advice and Advisories

[vii] Public Health Ontario Novel Coronavirus (2019-nCoV) Laboratory Services

For further information, please contact Niagara Region Public Health & Emergency Services, Infectious Disease program at 1-888-505-6074 or 905-688-8248 ext. 7330  Monday to Friday 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., after hours 905-984-3690.