Coronavirus: NJ Issues Update After Other US Cases Announced

NEW JERSEY – State health officials have announced that they're taking steps to deal with the risk of the coronavirus appearing in New Jersey now that multiple cases have been confirmed in the United States.

The state Department of Health announced on Jan. 24 that preparations to deal with the coronavirus are underway after investigating a possible case involving a patient at Hackensack University Medical Center on Jan. 23. Another potential case was announced on Monday, Jan. 27. Read more: Investigation Into Possible Coronavirus Case In NJ

Nancy A. Radwin, a spokeswoman for Hackensack University Medical Center, confirmed that the Jan. 23 patient did not have the coronavirus and was discharged. Read more: No Coronavirus Case At NJ Hospital (UPDATE)

Health officials say the risk of the coronavirus – also known as "nCoV" – in New Jersey is actually "low." But the DOH – with assistance from hospitals and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention – has established a central webpage of resources to assist.

“Although this novel virus is understandably a cause for concern, it is important for New Jersey residents to know that the risk to the public remains low,” Health Commissioner Judith Persichilli said in a statement.

“The New Jersey Department of Health works with hospitals and local health departments throughout respiratory virus and flu season on hundreds of disease outbreaks each year and we are prepared —along with our partners — to respond to potential novel coronavirus cases.”

Persichilli said New Jersey is currently at the height of respiratory virus season. Read more: 2nd Child Dies, Nearly 1,000 Sick As NJ Flu Outbreak Soars

“While nCoV is very concerning, hospital Emergency Departments and urgent care centers need to consider other more common diagnoses,” she said. “Health care facilities need to be mindful of any potentially communicable disease, whether nCoV, imported MERS-CoV, seasonal respiratory viruses, measles and others, and review their policies and protocols related to infection control.”

The outbreak emerged in Wuhan, China in December 2019 and now globally includes more than 500 cases and 17 deaths. Two US cases have been confirmed in Chicago and Washington state.

On Jan. 24, Persichilli sent a letter to hospital CEOs detailing specific guidance to healthcare professionals on how to evaluate reports of patients with possible coronavirus illness, such as taking a careful travel and exposure history to determine if they meet specific CDC testing criteria, according to the DOH release.

The letter also points out that the department has a central coronavirus webpage that includes CDC updates, travel advisories and guidance sent to health care providers, local health departments, infection preventionists and other health partners.

Health care facilities should work with their local health department to report potential cases, the DOH said in a press release.

“If you have had recent travel to Wuhan, China or close contact with someone who has and are experiencing symptoms, call your health care provider before arriving to the office so they can make accommodations in advance,” Persichilli said.

Patients with confirmed coronavirus infection have reportedly had mild to severe respiratory illness with symptoms of fever, cough and shortness of breath. The CDC believes that symptoms of nCoV may appear in as few as two days or as long as two weeks after exposure, the release said.

At this time, only the CDC laboratories in Atlanta have the capabilities to test for the coronavirus, though it is expected that state public health laboratories will be able to test soon.

“The New Jersey Public Health and Environmental Laboratories in West Trenton is ready when a diagnostic test becomes available at the state level,” said Christopher Neuwirth, assistant commissioner of the Division of Public Health Infrastructure, Laboratories and Emergency Preparedness.

The department has also been in contact with Newark Liberty International Airport’s Division of Global Migration and Quarantine and the New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene in advance of airport screening.

The New Jersey Poison Information and Education System (also known as the NJ Poison Control Center) serves as a 24/7 information resource for the public and can be reached at 800-222-1222.