A recent Modern Health Care article noted “The key is getting that travel history right up front when you’re interviewing the patient and then as soon as you suspect MERS—even before you do the testing—you should make sure you have that patient on isolation precautions so they don’t spread to any other patients or healthcare workers.”
The major lesson from this first MERs experience in the U.S. for other healthcare providers is “to think about MERS you really need to get a good travel history…”
“Patients who enter the emergency room at Community Hospital in Munster, Ind., with symptoms such as fever, cough or diarrhea are routinely kept in private triage rooms to prevent the risk of infectious diseases spreading…”
“The hospital, the state health department and the CDC say the collaborative efforts of all entities involved led to the successful isolation of the case. However, the CDC continues to stress that viruses don’t respect borders and future cases of the disease on U.S. soil are likely inevitable.”
“All hospitals should have their antennas up, especially those in or near a big metropolitan areas…”
Click here to read the full MHC article “Hospital details rapid response to MERS” by Sabriya Rice.
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Doctor, Did You Wash Your Hands? ™ provides information to consumers on understanding, managing and navigating health care options.
Jonathan M. Metsch, Dr.P.H., is Clinical Professor, Preventive Medicine, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai; and Adjunct Professor, Baruch College ( C.U.N.Y.), Rutgers School of Public Health, and Rutgers School of Public Affairs and Administration.
This blog shares general information about understanding and navigating the health care system. For specific medical advice about your own problems, issues and options talk to your personal physician.