The Centers for Disease Control held a press teleconference today [March 9] and took on a more serious tone than the one reported on last week. Since March 3, the number of states reporting cases of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) has grown from 22 to 34. Below are notes from the teleconference with Dr. Nancy Messonnier, MD, director of CDC’s National Center for Immunization and Respiratory Diseases.
- To date, 34 states have reported more than 500 cases.
- There is no immunity in this population based on this virus. As a trajectory, many people in the U.S., at some point either this year or the next, will be exposed and become sick. Based on what we know, most people will not develop serious illness.
- Based on a study in China, 80 percent of the COVID-19 illness has been mild, but for 15-20 percent, it has resulted in serious illness. So far it seems like it is not affecting children. In South Korea no one under age 30 has died. It is important for older adults and those with serious health conditions to be prepared.
- It mostly affects older adults, most seriously starting at age 60. The highest risk is for those over 80 with serious underlying health conditions, like with diabetes, heart disease or lung disease.
- Stock up now so can stay close to home. Make sure you have supplies on hand including over-the-counter medicines and medical prescriptions. Have enough medical supplies to treat flu. Have enough food to stay home for a period of time. Avoid close contact with people who are sick, avoid touching public surfaces. Avoid crowds in poorly ventilated spaces.
- Defer cruise ship travel. People at high risk should avoid non-essential travel, such as plane trips.
- Know what is going on in your community.
- People need to make their own decisions based on their understanding of risk.
- Right now in the U.S., the vast majority of communities are not having community transmission.
- Make sure older Americans are taking every precaution for more widespread transmission. We really do not think it is time for Americans to go out in masks.