To prevent further transmission of the virus, the first case of new pneumonia in the United States is being treated in an isolation chamber and treated by a robot, the Guardian reported. The patient, a Washington state resident, was first seen in Seattle after returning to the U.S. from Wuhan, China. On 20 January, the man, in his 30s, was admitted to the Special Pathogens Ward at Providence Regional Medical Center in Everett.
On January 22nd George Diaz, director of infectious diseases at Providence Regional Medical Center, told the Guardian that the patient was in “satisfactory condition” but did not disclose how long the patient would need to be treated.
According to Diaz, the patient was packed in an isolation compartment, taken from home to the hospital by ambulance, and then taken directly to the isolated special pathogen ward area. Patients can only move in their own room. This special pathogen ward area has only one entrance and exit, guarded by security personnel. Anyone entering the area should wear a special helmet called CAPR, which is tightly guarded.
Diaz said he was sitting outside the patient’s room window, about 6 meters, operating the robot. Robots are equipped with cameras, microphones and stethoscopes. This is one of many ways in which hospitals can reduce the risk of transmission of the virus.
This is the first time the medical center has admitted patients to this special pathogen ward. In 2015, when the Ebola virus broke out in West Africa, the hospital set up this special pathogen ward, which currently has two wards and plans to prepare at least 10 more wards in case of emergency. Hospitals and health care workers are also preparing for this similar situation.
“Just like you do drills for earthquakes, fires, or other emergencies, we do drills every few weeks. So you’re ready at all times. Diaz told the Guardian.
The hospital is part of a large medical system with dozens of hospitals, hundreds of clinics and emergency centers in seven states. After the hospital admitted the patient, all other relevant units had initiated screening procedures for the virus.
Washington Gov. Jay Nisley also said in a statement on the 21st that all state and local health departments are prepared for the current situation, in the event of other cases in the United States, the state “will continue to share relevant information and try to help each other.” “