CDC confirms first U.S. coronavirus case not linked to travel, exposure

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention yesterday reported the first possible U.S. case of community-spread of novel coronavirus (COVID-19), in a patient in northern California with no known potential exposure through travel or another infected patient. Total U.S. cases, not counting repatriated citizens, stand at 15.

All 93 public health labs should have test kits for the virus by Monday, Health and Human Services Secretary Alex Azar today told the House Ways and Means Committee. He said the next step is developing a bedside diagnostic for hospitals. No vaccine or treatment currently exists.

President Trump yesterday named Vice President Mike Pence to lead U.S. efforts against COVID-19 spread. Pence and Azar today named three additional members to the president’s coronavirus task force: Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin; Surgeon General Jerome Adams, M.D., and National Economic Council Director Larry Kudlow. Pence also named Ambassador Debbie Birx, M.D., to serve as White House coronavirus response coordinator.

World Health Organization Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus today stressed that containment of the virus is still possible, but countries must be ready for community spread. “Every country needs to be ready to detect cases early, to isolate patients, trace contacts, provide quality clinical care, prevent hospital outbreaks, and prevent community transmission,” he said.

For the latest information and resources, visit AHA’s coronavirus webpage.