re: Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) ***W.H.O. DECLARES A GLOBAL PANDEMIC***

We are basically only testing patients with severe symptoms. The mortality rate is drastically over stated.

Here are the criteria needed to test in Louisiana at this time.

“The testing criteria below are subject to change according to the availability of laboratory testing and updated epidemiologic information.
Testing of samples for non-hospitalized patients may be delayed according to the volume of samples and changes in testing availability.

Criteria to Guide Evaluation of Persons Under Investigation for COVID-19
Clinical Features
Fever1 or signs/symptoms of lower respiratory illness (e.g. cough or shortness of breath)
AND
Epidemiologic Risk
Close contact with a laboratory-confirmed COVID-19 patient within 14 days of symptom onset

Clinical Features
Fever1 and signs/symptoms of a lower respiratory illness (e.g., cough or shortness of breath)
AND
Epidemiologic Risk
A history of travel from affected geographic areas2 within 14 days of symptom onset

Clinical Features
Fever1 with severe acute lower respiratory illness (e.g., pneumonia, ARDS [acute respiratory distress syndrome]) requiring hospitalization and without alternative explanatory diagnosis (e.g., influenza)
AND
Epidemiologic Risk
No identified source of exposure

1Measured as = 100.4°F.

2Affected geographic areas are defined as countries assigned a level 2 or 3 travel health notice by CDC or other areas determined to have sustained community transmission