The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is closely monitoring an outbreak of respiratory illness caused by a novel (new) coronavirus (named “2019-nCoV”) that was first detected in Wuhan City, Hubei Province, China and continues to expand. Even though the 2019-nCoV represents a severe public health threat, the risk to individuals is dependent on exposure. For the general American public, who are unlikely to be exposed to this virus, the immediate health risk from the 2019-nCoV is considered LOW.

Coronaviruses are a large family of viruses that are common in many different species of animals, including camels, cattle, cats, and bats. Rarely, animal coronaviruses can infect people and then spread between people via droplets through coughing or sneezing and contaminated surfaces.

Thus far, there have been five confirmed cases of the 2019-nCoV infection in the United States; all of these people have traveled to Wuhan City in China. In the United States, there has not been evidence of the virus spreading person-to-person, and currently, the virus is NOT spreading in the United States.

On January 27, 2020, the CDC issued updated travel guidance for China, recommending that travelers avoid all nonessential travel to all of China. The CDC continues to monitor for illness among travelers and is providing educational material for any travelers arriving in the United States from China. The goal of the ongoing United States public health response is to contain this viral outbreak and prevent the spread of 2019-nCoV in the United States.

Even though the immediate risk of this new virus is low, everyone can do their part to prevent the spread of germs and to stay healthy. While the flu vaccine will not prevent infection from the 2019-nCoV virus, it will help you stay healthy, and a healthy body will have an easier time fighting off an invading virus. To help avoid the spread of ANY GERMS, including respiratory infections, make the following everyday habits a routine:

WASH YOUR HANDS often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds

Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands

Avoid close contact with people who are sick

Stay home when you are sick

Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then throw that away immediately

Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces

Carter County Public Health will continue to provide updated information on the CCPH Facebook page. For the most current information on the 2019-nCoV, go to: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov.

Please call Carter County Public Health with any questions 406-775-6332. (Reference: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-nCoV/summary.html)