In just the past few days, there have been significant developments concerning the Wuhan coronavirus (2019-nCoV). Here is a summary of some of the latest key facts and figures:

• The number of cases in mainland China is quickly approaching 8,000.

• The virus has infected more people in China than were sickened there during the 2002-2003 severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS) outbreak.

• There have been at least 170 deaths associated with the virus.

• China's National Health Commission confirmed the virus can be transmitted from person to person.

• The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) confirmed the first case of person-to-person spread of the coronavirus in the United States. It is the second case of the virus in Illinois and sixth overall in the United States.

• There are more than 100 confirmed cases, but no deaths yet, in 20 places outside of China. These include the United States, Canada, France, Germany, Finland, India and Australia.

• The World Health Organization (WHO) is expected to decide today (January 30) whether to declare the epidemic an international public health emergency. Update: WHO has declared the outbreak an international “public health emergency.”

• A detailed analysis of the first 99 patients treated in China has been published in the Lancet.

• A growing number of airlines are suspending flights to and from mainland China.

• Thousands of passengers on a cruise ship in Italy are banned from disembarking because two Chinese passengers are suspected of having coronavirus. 

• Russia has closed off its far-east border with China in an effort to prevent the spread of the virus.

• Misinformation about coronavirus is spreading online.

This is a rapidly developing situation, and one can expect the number of cases to continue to increase in the coming weeks, particularly in China. As we advised in our previous coverage of the coronavirus, providers should continue to prescreen for fever, respiratory symptoms and international travel, particularly to and from China. If patients have traveled from the affected countries, further information will be needed to decide "next steps."  

Infection Control Consulting Services (ICCS) suggests facilities — particularly outpatient settings — develop or review existing policies for standard precautions and transmission-based precautions, with an emphasis on respiratory protection. Guidance will continue to evolve, and the team at ICCS will continue to closely monitor the situation.

Facilities in need of assistance with coronavirus management or providing PPE and respiratory hygiene training to employees can contact ICCS.

Sources include:

• CDC

• CNN

• The New York Times

• The Telegraph

• Bloomberg