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.