Risk to individuals in U.S. is extremely low at this time
Officials from the Logan County Health District provided information this week regarding the 2019 novel cornavirus (2019 nCoV), a new virus that causes respiratory illness and was first identified during an investigation into an outbreak in Wuhan, China.
At this time, the risk to anyone in Logan County, Ohio, or the United States is extremely low, Logan County Health Commissioner Dr. Boyd Hoddinott said. Only five cases of the virus have been confirmed in the United States as of Wednesday, and of these individuals had traveled to Wuhan, China. There has been no person-to-person spread in the U.S. at this time, officials said.
“Right now, the greatest risk of infection is for people in Wuhan or people who have traveled to Wuhan and less so, other parts of China. The CDC continues to closely monitor the situation,” Centers for Disease Control and Prevention officials said in a release.
“Public health organizations worldwide, including our own CDC and all state and local health districts are working together to track and prepare plans for any local cases or outbreaks,” the health commissioner said. “The Logan County Health District is in constant communication with ODH. We will keep the public informed on all developments of importance. An informed public is a healthier public.”
The CDC reports patients with 2019-nCoV have had mild to severe respiratory illness with symptoms of: fever, cough and shortness of breath. Severe complications from the virus had lead to pneumonia in both lungs.
There is currently no vaccine for this new virus. Respiratory secretions from coughing/sneezing and droplets left on surfaces for short periods of time may cause spread of the virus.
“As flu season is continuing to increase in Ohio, the same precautions used for the flu apply to corona virus,” Dr. Hoddinott said. “Everyday actions to prevent respiratory illnesses are: avoid close contact with people who are sick; avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth with unwashed hands; wash hands with soap and water for 20 seconds; use of alcohol-based sanitizer is less effective.
“If you are sick, stay at home. Cover your cough/sneeze with a tissue or into your elbow. Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces.”
Health officials advise if you traveled to China in the last 14 days and feel sick with fever, cough, or difficulty breathing, get medical attention. Call your healthcare provider before being seen, and tell them about your travel history and symptoms.
More information is available at: Ohio Department of Health, odh.ohio.gov or at the CDC’s website, www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/faq.html.