Doctor at Children’s Wisconsin tests positive for COVID-19; 200 possibly exposed
MILWAUKEE -- A doctor at Children’s Wisconsin tested positive for COVID-19. This, after exposure to an individual who was positive for the virus in connection with travel outside Wisconsin before relevant travel restrictions were in effect.
The doctor was quarantined at home, with mild symptoms -- recovering, officials said Wednesday, March 18.
A Children's Wisconsin spokesman said approximately 200 people were identified to have potential exposure, and all would be contacted directly -- 10 of them patients being cared for at the hospital, 38 who were discharged or never admitted, and the remainder staff and other providers.
Children's Wisconsin said the following in a news release:
"Our Infection Prevention team, working with the CDC, Wisconsin Department of Health Services and the Wauwatosa Health Department, are identifying and contacting all staff and all patient families with exposure to the diagnosed doctor. Patient families will be given individualized instructions and support for their needs. Staff will also be instructed on next steps based on CDC guidelines, ranging from monitoring symptoms, self-quarantine or testing.
Our priority is always the health and well-being of our patients, our staff and providers, and our larger Wisconsin community. We have rigorous internal systems for infection prevention, and have expanded them greatly in response to the COVID-19 outbreak. Every COVID-19 case underscores the need for all of us to stay vigilant in the face of the virus, while offering support and care to all those who need it in our community."