Over the March 14th weekend, the National Institutes of Health reported a diagnosis of COVID-19 in a staff member at the National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases.  The individual was not involved in patient care.

The report is significant in that it indicates how preparedness and procedures can limit infection in a large organization.  The patient developed symptoms consistent with COVID-19 at home, although was asymptomatic at work.  The patient informed the NIH Occupational Medical Service, designated to manage potential COVID-19 infections among staff members.  Testing demonstrated the presence of SARS-CoV-2 coronavirus and the patient was isolated at home.  Consistent with good epidemiologic practice, co-workers of the patient were screened for the presence of the virus.

It is understood that this was a community-acquired infection and was not associated with either laboratory or patient exposure.