COVID-19 Potential Impact on Eosinophil-Associated Diseases

The American Partnership for Eosinophilic Disorders (APFED) is closely monitoring developments regarding the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak and the potential impact on the higher-risk patients in the eosinophil-associated disease community. This is a rapidly changing situation and we encourage you to follow updates on the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)’s website and your state health department website.

COVID-19 was first detected in China in December 2019. It has since spread around the world, including to the United States, resulting in the World Health Organization (WHO) declaring a public health emergency of international concern and the United States Health and Human Services Secretary declaring a public health emergency.

Potential Impact on People with Eosinophil-Associated Diseases

There is not enough information as of yet, however, it appears that people with chronic health conditions, including those who have pulmonary or cardiac eosinophilic disorders, and those who take systemic corticosteroids and/or other immunosuppressive medications (e.g., methotrexate, cyclosporin, rituximab infusions) may be at higher risk of developing complications or more severe infection with COVID-19. Individuals should contact their healthcare provider if they have symptoms consistent with COVID-19.

APFED encourages everyone to follow COVID-19 guidance from the CDC and the WHO and to be alert to local quarantine practices in their communities.

Medical Reviewers: Gerald J. Gleich, MD, University of Utah Health; Michael E. Wechsler, MD, National Jewish Health; Praveen Akuthota, MD, UC San Diego Health.