MADISON- This afternoon UW Health will start asking patients in its emergency departments and urgent care settings for their travel history for possible exposure to the Coronavirus. They will be asked about any recent travel to Wuhan and will be evaluated for symptoms like fever and acute respiratory illness.
Travel history questions will be expanded to other patient care areas, such as clinics, early next week.
UW Health has not identified any cases of Coronavirus at this time.
The hospital has taken precautions and safety measures for patients, visitors and family. Any patient suspected to have contracted the Coronavirus would be immediately masked and isolated in a private exam room. UW Health has any patient with fever and acute respiratory symptoms wear a mask as recommended in infection prevention guidelines.
UW Health is working closely with state and federal officials.
The cause of an outbreak of pneumonia in Wuhan, China was recently identified as a new type of Coronavirus. The virus has spread throughout China and SE Asia, with at least one confirmed case in the United States. In recent days, several U.S. Airports, including Chicago O’Hare, and hospitals have begun screening travelers and patients for the virus, the main symptoms of which include fever, cough and shortness of breath.
A UW Health infection control expert is available for interviews.
