The Trump administration recently asked Congress for $2.5 billion in funding to address the outbreak of the disease as the number of cases continues to grow worldwide.
While the vast majority of the cases are contained to China, where the disease originated in the Wuhan region, coronavirus, or COVID-19, is expected to spread further in the U.S., according to HHS officials who held a press conference on Feb. 25. So far, 53 cases have been confirmed in the U.S., according to the CDC.
“The immediate risk to the American public remains low, but there is now community transmission in a number of countries, including outside of Asia, which is deeply concerning,” HHS Secretary Alex Azar said during a speech to the House Appropriations Committee about the president’s budget.
One AI model puts the spread of disease much higher––2.5 billion infections within 45 days.
HHS says it is working with local, state and private partners to mitigate the spread of the disease. Already the agency has teamed up with at least one drug manufacturer to find therapies to treat the virus and a possible vaccine.
The spread of the disease in China also has the potential to impact drugs in the U.S. due to Chinese reliance on some ingredients used to manufacture medications. While no drugmakers have signaled they expect drug shortages, the FDA is monitoring the medial product supply chain, the agency told CNN Feb. 26.
However, the $2.5 billion request for funds could come from other health resources. Specifically, $136 million of the funds could be transferred from other health programs, The Hill reported.
Amy joined TriMed Media as a Senior Writer for HealthExec after covering home care for three years. When not writing about all things healthcare, she fulfills her lifelong dream of becoming a pirate by sailing in regattas and enjoying rum. Fun fact: she sailed 333 miles across Lake Michigan in the Chicago Yacht Club "Race to Mackinac."