We want to provide an update on how Seattle Children’s is preparing for the 2019 Novel Coronavirus (2019-nCoV). To date, no Children’s patients have tested positive for 2019-nCoV.
PCPs who are caring for a patient with suspected 2019-nCoV should first contact Public Health-Seattle & King County. If, after discussing with Public Health, the decision is made to send the patient to Children’s, the PCP should first notify the ED Communications Center at 206-987-8899.
The viral respiratory panel used at Seattle Children’s does not detect this virus. If the panel detects coronavirus it is due to a different strain.
Coronaviruses are a large family of viruses. They usually cause mild respiratory illnesses such as the common cold. 2019-nCoV is a new coronavirus that was not seen in humans prior to December 2019. For more information, please review the coronavirus information sheet.
Children’s already has robust plans in place for infection detection and prevention, and we have trained personnel who will care for any patients with suspected 2019-nCoV. Our Emergency Department (ED) screens all patients upon arrival for communicable diseases, and isolates any patient with concerning travel history. The ED works closely with Infection Prevention to monitor worldwide outbreaks like coronavirus, and has been monitoring the current situation closely.
Visit Public Health-Seattle & King County’s website for a complete list of resources for families and healthcare professionals.
