CDC: Flowchart to Identify and Assess 2019 Novel Coronavirus
February 11th, 2020
Text Equivalent
For the evaluation of patients who may be ill with or who may have been exposed to 2019 Novel Coronavirus (2019-nCoV)
- Identify if in the past 14 days since first onset of symptoms a history of either travel to china or close contact with a person known to have 2019-nCoV illness*
- AND the person has fever or symptoms of lower respiratory illness (e.g., cough or shortness of breath)
if both exposure and illness are present
- Isolate
- Place facemask on patient
- Isolate the patient in a private room or a separate area
- Wear appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE)
- Assess clinical status.
EXAM
Is fever present?
Subjective?
Measured? _____°C/F
Is respiratory illness present?
Cough?
Shortness of breath?
- Inform
- Contact health department to report at-risk patients and their clinical status
- Assess need to collect specimens to test for 2019-nCoV
- Decide disposition
If discharged to home
Instruct patient as needed depending on severity of illness and health department consultation
- Home care guidance
- Home isolation guidance
Advise patient if the patient develops new or worsening fever or respiratory illness
- Call clinic to determine if reevaluation is needed
- If reevaluation is needed call ahead and wear facemask
* Documentation of laboratory-confirmation of 2019-nCoV may not be possible for travelers or persons caring for patients in other countries. For more clarification on the definition for close contact see CDC’s Interim Guidance for Healthcare Professionals.