'Intense preparation': Iowa hospitals prepare for coronavirus with isolation units

Iowa hospitals are preparing in case they receive patients with coronavirus, including Methodist Medical Center.

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"It has been a month of intense preparation," said Dr. Rossana Rosa, a infectious diseases specialist.

Rosa said ever since reports came out of China, about a new, potentially deadly virus, she has sprung into action.

They've started screening for symptoms like fever or cough. Medical professionals are also screening for a patient's travel history.

Rose said if someone does show up with symptoms consistent with coronavirus Methodist Medical Center is ready.

The Special Isolation Unit in downtown Des Moines has rooms that are separated from the rest of the hospital and have negative airflow meant to keep the virus contained.

"It was intentionally built so that we would have the capability to hold and do testing for patients suspected of having Ebola. So it is that level of preparation," Rosa said.

Rosa said, as of now, the threat level in Iowa is low. She advises people who feel sick to stay home and call their doctors.

She is also concerned with the misinformation regarding the coronavirus. She advises people go straight to trusted medical sources like the Center for Disease Control and Prevention.

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