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Labeling Error to Blame for Hospital’s Release of Coronavirus Patient Labeling Error to Blame for Hospital’s Release of Coronavirus Patient
(1 day later)
A woman sick from the coronavirus was released from a San Diego hospital this week after a labeling error on samples to be tested for the virus led officials to incorrectly indicate that she was not infected, federal authorities said on Tuesday.A woman sick from the coronavirus was released from a San Diego hospital this week after a labeling error on samples to be tested for the virus led officials to incorrectly indicate that she was not infected, federal authorities said on Tuesday.
The samples had not even made it into the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s laboratory when the agency mistakenly indicated to officials at the hospital that the results were negative.The samples had not even made it into the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s laboratory when the agency mistakenly indicated to officials at the hospital that the results were negative.
The woman, who was among hundreds recently evacuated to the United States from China and under quarantine at a military base, was erroneously discharged from the hospital and sent back to the base because of the error.The woman, who was among hundreds recently evacuated to the United States from China and under quarantine at a military base, was erroneously discharged from the hospital and sent back to the base because of the error.
She was among three quarantined evacuees at Marine Corps Air Station Miramar in San Diego whose samples, likely oral or nasal swabs, were not admitted to the laboratory because of a label mix-up and went untested, said Kristen Nordlund, a spokeswoman for the C.D.C. It was unclear exactly what the labeling error was and which agency had been responsible.She was among three quarantined evacuees at Marine Corps Air Station Miramar in San Diego whose samples, likely oral or nasal swabs, were not admitted to the laboratory because of a label mix-up and went untested, said Kristen Nordlund, a spokeswoman for the C.D.C. It was unclear exactly what the labeling error was and which agency had been responsible.
A spokeswoman for the hospital, the University of California San Diego Health, said there had been miscommunication over how to identify patients under evaluation, to whom the hospital had assigned pseudonyms to protect their privacy.A spokeswoman for the hospital, the University of California San Diego Health, said there had been miscommunication over how to identify patients under evaluation, to whom the hospital had assigned pseudonyms to protect their privacy.
The coronavirus epidemic has left more than a thousand people dead in China and has sickened tens of thousands of others. As the crisis continued to unfold, about 850 people, most of them Americans, have been evacuated from Wuhan, China, where the outbreak began, to five military bases in the United States.The coronavirus epidemic has left more than a thousand people dead in China and has sickened tens of thousands of others. As the crisis continued to unfold, about 850 people, most of them Americans, have been evacuated from Wuhan, China, where the outbreak began, to five military bases in the United States.
With a rare federal quarantine mandated for people arriving from Wuhan, the labeling error raised concerns among some who were being kept with the coronavirus patient at Marine Corps Air Station Miramar, and prompted the authorities to announce new procedures to avoid testing mistakes.With a rare federal quarantine mandated for people arriving from Wuhan, the labeling error raised concerns among some who were being kept with the coronavirus patient at Marine Corps Air Station Miramar, and prompted the authorities to announce new procedures to avoid testing mistakes.
“It caused quite a commotion,” said John McGory, who had taught English in Wuhan for six years and is among about 230 people being held on the San Diego base.“It caused quite a commotion,” said John McGory, who had taught English in Wuhan for six years and is among about 230 people being held on the San Diego base.
Officials said that despite the early release of the patient, people under quarantine at the base would not need to restart the 14-day quarantine period, but those at the base remained skeptical, Mr. McGory said.Officials said that despite the early release of the patient, people under quarantine at the base would not need to restart the 14-day quarantine period, but those at the base remained skeptical, Mr. McGory said.
He and others learned of the labeling mistake from news reports before they were told by staff members on the base, he said, angering some who took their frustration out on C.D.C. officials during a meeting on the base on Monday night.He and others learned of the labeling mistake from news reports before they were told by staff members on the base, he said, angering some who took their frustration out on C.D.C. officials during a meeting on the base on Monday night.
The episode began last week when three people who had been quarantined at the San Diego base showed symptoms of illness and were taken to the hospital not long after they arrived in the United States.The episode began last week when three people who had been quarantined at the San Diego base showed symptoms of illness and were taken to the hospital not long after they arrived in the United States.
A miscommunication between C.D.C. officials led the agency to tell the hospital that all the patients had tested negative even though three of the samples had not been tested, Dr. Christopher R. Braden, a medical epidemiologist with the C.D.C., said at a news conference on Tuesday evening. Thinking that the three were clear of the virus, the hospital sent the patients back to the base to complete the 14-day quarantine period with scores of others.A miscommunication between C.D.C. officials led the agency to tell the hospital that all the patients had tested negative even though three of the samples had not been tested, Dr. Christopher R. Braden, a medical epidemiologist with the C.D.C., said at a news conference on Tuesday evening. Thinking that the three were clear of the virus, the hospital sent the patients back to the base to complete the 14-day quarantine period with scores of others.
The error was discovered as the three people, wearing masks, were riding in a van back to the base on Sunday. Their specimens, officials realized, had never been analyzed.The error was discovered as the three people, wearing masks, were riding in a van back to the base on Sunday. Their specimens, officials realized, had never been analyzed.
“Of course, as luck would have it, there was one of those tests that came back positive,” Dr. Braden said.“Of course, as luck would have it, there was one of those tests that came back positive,” Dr. Braden said.
Updated June 12, 2020 Updated June 16, 2020
The coronavirus emergency relief package gives many American workers paid leave if they need to take time off because of the virus. It gives qualified workers two weeks of paid sick leave if they are ill, quarantined or seeking diagnosis or preventive care for coronavirus, or if they are caring for sick family members. It gives 12 weeks of paid leave to people caring for children whose schools are closed or whose child care provider is unavailable because of the coronavirus. It is the first time the United States has had widespread federally mandated paid leave, and includes people who don’t typically get such benefits, like part-time and gig economy workers. But the measure excludes at least half of private-sector workers, including those at the country’s largest employers, and gives small employers significant leeway to deny leave.
So far, the evidence seems to show it does. A widely cited paper published in April suggests that people are most infectious about two days before the onset of coronavirus symptoms and estimated that 44 percent of new infections were a result of transmission from people who were not yet showing symptoms. Recently, a top expert at the World Health Organization stated that transmission of the coronavirus by people who did not have symptoms was “very rare,” but she later walked back that statement.So far, the evidence seems to show it does. A widely cited paper published in April suggests that people are most infectious about two days before the onset of coronavirus symptoms and estimated that 44 percent of new infections were a result of transmission from people who were not yet showing symptoms. Recently, a top expert at the World Health Organization stated that transmission of the coronavirus by people who did not have symptoms was “very rare,” but she later walked back that statement.
Touching contaminated objects and then infecting ourselves with the germs is not typically how the virus spreads. But it can happen. A number of studies of flu, rhinovirus, coronavirus and other microbes have shown that respiratory illnesses, including the new coronavirus, can spread by touching contaminated surfaces, particularly in places like day care centers, offices and hospitals. But a long chain of events has to happen for the disease to spread that way. The best way to protect yourself from coronavirus — whether it’s surface transmission or close human contact — is still social distancing, washing your hands, not touching your face and wearing masks.Touching contaminated objects and then infecting ourselves with the germs is not typically how the virus spreads. But it can happen. A number of studies of flu, rhinovirus, coronavirus and other microbes have shown that respiratory illnesses, including the new coronavirus, can spread by touching contaminated surfaces, particularly in places like day care centers, offices and hospitals. But a long chain of events has to happen for the disease to spread that way. The best way to protect yourself from coronavirus — whether it’s surface transmission or close human contact — is still social distancing, washing your hands, not touching your face and wearing masks.
A study by European scientists is the first to document a strong statistical link between genetic variations and Covid-19, the illness caused by the coronavirus. Having Type A blood was linked to a 50 percent increase in the likelihood that a patient would need to get oxygen or to go on a ventilator, according to the new study.A study by European scientists is the first to document a strong statistical link between genetic variations and Covid-19, the illness caused by the coronavirus. Having Type A blood was linked to a 50 percent increase in the likelihood that a patient would need to get oxygen or to go on a ventilator, according to the new study.
The unemployment rate fell to 13.3 percent in May, the Labor Department said on June 5, an unexpected improvement in the nation’s job market as hiring rebounded faster than economists expected. Economists had forecast the unemployment rate to increase to as much as 20 percent, after it hit 14.7 percent in April, which was the highest since the government began keeping official statistics after World War II. But the unemployment rate dipped instead, with employers adding 2.5 million jobs, after more than 20 million jobs were lost in April.The unemployment rate fell to 13.3 percent in May, the Labor Department said on June 5, an unexpected improvement in the nation’s job market as hiring rebounded faster than economists expected. Economists had forecast the unemployment rate to increase to as much as 20 percent, after it hit 14.7 percent in April, which was the highest since the government began keeping official statistics after World War II. But the unemployment rate dipped instead, with employers adding 2.5 million jobs, after more than 20 million jobs were lost in April.
Mass protests against police brutality that have brought thousands of people onto the streets in cities across America are raising the specter of new coronavirus outbreaks, prompting political leaders, physicians and public health experts to warn that the crowds could cause a surge in cases. While many political leaders affirmed the right of protesters to express themselves, they urged the demonstrators to wear face masks and maintain social distancing, both to protect themselves and to prevent further community spread of the virus. Some infectious disease experts were reassured by the fact that the protests were held outdoors, saying the open air settings could mitigate the risk of transmission.Mass protests against police brutality that have brought thousands of people onto the streets in cities across America are raising the specter of new coronavirus outbreaks, prompting political leaders, physicians and public health experts to warn that the crowds could cause a surge in cases. While many political leaders affirmed the right of protesters to express themselves, they urged the demonstrators to wear face masks and maintain social distancing, both to protect themselves and to prevent further community spread of the virus. Some infectious disease experts were reassured by the fact that the protests were held outdoors, saying the open air settings could mitigate the risk of transmission.
Exercise researchers and physicians have some blunt advice for those of us aiming to return to regular exercise now: Start slowly and then rev up your workouts, also slowly. American adults tended to be about 12 percent less active after the stay-at-home mandates began in March than they were in January. But there are steps you can take to ease your way back into regular exercise safely. First, “start at no more than 50 percent of the exercise you were doing before Covid,” says Dr. Monica Rho, the chief of musculoskeletal medicine at the Shirley Ryan AbilityLab in Chicago. Thread in some preparatory squats, too, she advises. “When you haven’t been exercising, you lose muscle mass.” Expect some muscle twinges after these preliminary, post-lockdown sessions, especially a day or two later. But sudden or increasing pain during exercise is a clarion call to stop and return home.
States are reopening bit by bit. This means that more public spaces are available for use and more and more businesses are being allowed to open again. The federal government is largely leaving the decision up to states, and some state leaders are leaving the decision up to local authorities. Even if you aren’t being told to stay at home, it’s still a good idea to limit trips outside and your interaction with other people.States are reopening bit by bit. This means that more public spaces are available for use and more and more businesses are being allowed to open again. The federal government is largely leaving the decision up to states, and some state leaders are leaving the decision up to local authorities. Even if you aren’t being told to stay at home, it’s still a good idea to limit trips outside and your interaction with other people.
Common symptoms include fever, a dry cough, fatigue and difficulty breathing or shortness of breath. Some of these symptoms overlap with those of the flu, making detection difficult, but runny noses and stuffy sinuses are less common. The C.D.C. has also added chills, muscle pain, sore throat, headache and a new loss of the sense of taste or smell as symptoms to look out for. Most people fall ill five to seven days after exposure, but symptoms may appear in as few as two days or as many as 14 days.Common symptoms include fever, a dry cough, fatigue and difficulty breathing or shortness of breath. Some of these symptoms overlap with those of the flu, making detection difficult, but runny noses and stuffy sinuses are less common. The C.D.C. has also added chills, muscle pain, sore throat, headache and a new loss of the sense of taste or smell as symptoms to look out for. Most people fall ill five to seven days after exposure, but symptoms may appear in as few as two days or as many as 14 days.
If air travel is unavoidable, there are some steps you can take to protect yourself. Most important: Wash your hands often, and stop touching your face. If possible, choose a window seat. A study from Emory University found that during flu season, the safest place to sit on a plane is by a window, as people sitting in window seats had less contact with potentially sick people. Disinfect hard surfaces. When you get to your seat and your hands are clean, use disinfecting wipes to clean the hard surfaces at your seat like the head and arm rest, the seatbelt buckle, the remote, screen, seat back pocket and the tray table. If the seat is hard and nonporous or leather or pleather, you can wipe that down, too. (Using wipes on upholstered seats could lead to a wet seat and spreading of germs rather than killing them.)If air travel is unavoidable, there are some steps you can take to protect yourself. Most important: Wash your hands often, and stop touching your face. If possible, choose a window seat. A study from Emory University found that during flu season, the safest place to sit on a plane is by a window, as people sitting in window seats had less contact with potentially sick people. Disinfect hard surfaces. When you get to your seat and your hands are clean, use disinfecting wipes to clean the hard surfaces at your seat like the head and arm rest, the seatbelt buckle, the remote, screen, seat back pocket and the tray table. If the seat is hard and nonporous or leather or pleather, you can wipe that down, too. (Using wipes on upholstered seats could lead to a wet seat and spreading of germs rather than killing them.)
Taking one’s temperature to look for signs of fever is not as easy as it sounds, as “normal” temperature numbers can vary, but generally, keep an eye out for a temperature of 100.5 degrees Fahrenheit or higher. If you don’t have a thermometer (they can be pricey these days), there are other ways to figure out if you have a fever, or are at risk of Covid-19 complications.Taking one’s temperature to look for signs of fever is not as easy as it sounds, as “normal” temperature numbers can vary, but generally, keep an eye out for a temperature of 100.5 degrees Fahrenheit or higher. If you don’t have a thermometer (they can be pricey these days), there are other ways to figure out if you have a fever, or are at risk of Covid-19 complications.
The C.D.C. has recommended that all Americans wear cloth masks if they go out in public. This is a shift in federal guidance reflecting new concerns that the coronavirus is being spread by infected people who have no symptoms. Until now, the C.D.C., like the W.H.O., has advised that ordinary people don’t need to wear masks unless they are sick and coughing. Part of the reason was to preserve medical-grade masks for health care workers who desperately need them at a time when they are in continuously short supply. Masks don’t replace hand washing and social distancing.The C.D.C. has recommended that all Americans wear cloth masks if they go out in public. This is a shift in federal guidance reflecting new concerns that the coronavirus is being spread by infected people who have no symptoms. Until now, the C.D.C., like the W.H.O., has advised that ordinary people don’t need to wear masks unless they are sick and coughing. Part of the reason was to preserve medical-grade masks for health care workers who desperately need them at a time when they are in continuously short supply. Masks don’t replace hand washing and social distancing.
If you’ve been exposed to the coronavirus or think you have, and have a fever or symptoms like a cough or difficulty breathing, call a doctor. They should give you advice on whether you should be tested, how to get tested, and how to seek medical treatment without potentially infecting or exposing others.If you’ve been exposed to the coronavirus or think you have, and have a fever or symptoms like a cough or difficulty breathing, call a doctor. They should give you advice on whether you should be tested, how to get tested, and how to seek medical treatment without potentially infecting or exposing others.
If you’re sick and you think you’ve been exposed to the new coronavirus, the C.D.C. recommends that you call your healthcare provider and explain your symptoms and fears. They will decide if you need to be tested. Keep in mind that there’s a chance — because of a lack of testing kits or because you’re asymptomatic, for instance — you won’t be able to get tested.If you’re sick and you think you’ve been exposed to the new coronavirus, the C.D.C. recommends that you call your healthcare provider and explain your symptoms and fears. They will decide if you need to be tested. Keep in mind that there’s a chance — because of a lack of testing kits or because you’re asymptomatic, for instance — you won’t be able to get tested.
Rather than return the three to the hospital, health officials decided to proceed to the base, telling the patients to isolate themselves in their rooms, officials said.Rather than return the three to the hospital, health officials decided to proceed to the base, telling the patients to isolate themselves in their rooms, officials said.
The test results came back on Monday morning. One of the three people — identified only by her gender — was positive for the virus and was rushed back to the hospital. She was being treated there and was doing well, with just a minor cough, Dr. Braden said.The test results came back on Monday morning. One of the three people — identified only by her gender — was positive for the virus and was rushed back to the hospital. She was being treated there and was doing well, with just a minor cough, Dr. Braden said.
Thomas Skinner, a spokesman for the C.D.C. who is on the base, said the woman had been isolated in a room on the base for about 16 to 18 hours. Health officials were working to determine whom the patient had interacted with during that period, he said.Thomas Skinner, a spokesman for the C.D.C. who is on the base, said the woman had been isolated in a room on the base for about 16 to 18 hours. Health officials were working to determine whom the patient had interacted with during that period, he said.
As word of the illness — and the labeling error — spread among others in quarantine on the base, some said they were concerned. At least one man, who declined to be identified by name, said he had questions about whether enough people were being tested, whether common areas were being disinfected and whether health officials were being transparent enough with those under quarantine.As word of the illness — and the labeling error — spread among others in quarantine on the base, some said they were concerned. At least one man, who declined to be identified by name, said he had questions about whether enough people were being tested, whether common areas were being disinfected and whether health officials were being transparent enough with those under quarantine.
The C.D.C. said laboratory staff members were working to prevent such errors.The C.D.C. said laboratory staff members were working to prevent such errors.
Another person under quarantine was also being tested at the San Diego hospital on Monday, officials said. Nine people from the Miramar base have been tested for the virus; five of those tests have come back negative, three are pending, and one — the woman’s — was positive. She began having symptoms the morning after she arrived at the base by plane.Another person under quarantine was also being tested at the San Diego hospital on Monday, officials said. Nine people from the Miramar base have been tested for the virus; five of those tests have come back negative, three are pending, and one — the woman’s — was positive. She began having symptoms the morning after she arrived at the base by plane.
In total, 13 people in the United States have tested positive for the virus across six states.In total, 13 people in the United States have tested positive for the virus across six states.
Local health officials in Riverside County, Calif., said on Tuesday that 195 people from the first government evacuation flight, which left Wuhan on Jan. 29, were to be released from quarantine at March Air Reserve Base by Wednesday. All were found to be free of the virus during two weeks in quarantine.Local health officials in Riverside County, Calif., said on Tuesday that 195 people from the first government evacuation flight, which left Wuhan on Jan. 29, were to be released from quarantine at March Air Reserve Base by Wednesday. All were found to be free of the virus during two weeks in quarantine.
Denise Grady, Miriam Jordan and Amy Qin contributed reporting.Denise Grady, Miriam Jordan and Amy Qin contributed reporting.