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WHO Publishes Case Definition For Identifying Possible Coronavirus Cases

 

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Coronavirus – Credit CDC PHIL

 

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Now that two cases of a novel coronavirus infection have been identified from patients who had a travel history in the Mid East, doctors are being asked to look for other possible cases.

 

This evening the World Health Organization has posted the following case definition to assist health care providers (and others) in indentifying potential cases.

 

 

Case Definition for Case Finding Severe Respiratory Disease associated with NOVEL CORONAVIRUS

Interim case definition as of 25 September 2012

Patient under investigation:
Clinical definition:

A person with acute respiratory syndrome which may include fever (≥ 38°C , 100.4°F) and cough
• requiring hospitalization
OR
• with suspicion of lower airway involvement (clinical or radiological evidence of consolidation)
not explained by any other infection or any other aetiology.

AND

Epidemiological criteria:

Close contact* within the last 10 days before onset of illness
• with a probable or confirmed case of novel coronavirus infection while the case-contact was ill
OR
• travel to or residence in an area** where infection with novel coronavirus has recently been reported or where transmission could have occurred.

Probable Novel Coronavirus Case:

A person fitting the clinical definition AND epidemiological criteria above but no laboratory confirmation.

Confirmed Novel Coronavirus Case:

A person with laboratory confirmation of infection with the novel coronavirus.

* Close contact is defined as:

• Anyone who provided care for a confirmed or probable case including HCW and family members in a health care setting or in the community.
• Anyone who stayed at the same place (e.g. lived with, visited) as a probable or confirmed case while they have been symptomatic.
• Anyone with significant casual exposure with the patient such as sitting nearby in a classroom, sharing a taxi, sitting close by on an airplane.

** Area where infection with novel coronavirus where transmission could have occurred:

Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, Qatar (as of 25 September 2012)

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