(NAPA, California) -- Napa County Public Health officials are closely working with California Department of Public Health, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and Bay Area health officials to monitor the novel (new) coronavirus, which originated in Wuhan, Hubei Province, China. To date, there are no cases reported in Napa County.
As of January 31, 2020, seven cases are confirmed in the United States across four states - Arizona, California, Illinois and Washington. Three of those cases have been identified in California, including a new confirmed case in Santa Clara County. All but one case have traveled from Wuhan, China. One of the Chicago cases was a result of person-to-person spread from another confirmed case. Cases have also been confirmed in several countries. The CDC is monitoring for illness among travelers arriving from China at 20 U.S airports.
“We are monitoring the situation closely and preparing rapidly to protect the health of Napa County residents and limit the spread of this virus,” said Dr. Karen Relucio, Napa County Health Officer. “We are working with closely with health care partners to review testing and infection control procedures and communicating with community partners and are prepared to take action should someone in our county become infected with this virus.”
Coronaviruses are a large group of viruses that are common among animals and humans. In rare cases, animal coronaviruses can be transmitted to humans. This newly discovered coronavirus (2019-nCov) has not been previously detected in animals or humans. The source of 2019-nCov is not yet known. Person-to-person spread of 2019-nCov is currently occurring.
While this is considered a serious public health threat, based on current information, the risk to the general public in Napa County is considered low at this time. However, it is likely there will be more cases reported in the U.S. in the coming days and weeks.
Symptoms of Novel Coronavirus (2019-nCoV)
Typically, human coronaviruses cause mild-to-moderate respiratory illness. Symptoms are very similar to the flu, including runny nose, headache, cough, sore throat, fever, and/or shortness of breath. Older adults and people with underlying health conditions may be at increased risk for severe disease.
Anyone who has recently traveled from China, or has come in close contact with someone who traveled from China, and develops a fever and lower respiratory symptoms, such as a cough or shortness of breath within 14 days after leaving the area, should first call their health care provider and share travel history and symptoms before visiting the clinic or emergency room. Healthcare providers should call Napa County Public Health immediately.
Travel Health Notice for China
CDC recommends that travelers avoid all nonessential travel to China. Chinese health officials have reported thousands of cases in China with severe illness, including over a hundred deaths.
Tips to Protect Yourself and Others
No additional precautions are recommended at this time beyond the simple daily precautions that everyone should always take, such as:
- Washing hands with liquid soap and water, and rubbing for at least 20 seconds;
- Covering your mouth and nose with a tissue or your sleeve (not your hands) when coughing or sneezing; and
- Staying home if you are sick.
Since flu activity will continue to remain high during this flu season, and symptoms of coronavirus are similar to the flu, Napa County Public Health also recommends getting a flu shot to protect yourself and others from the flu.
This is an emerging, rapidly evolving situation, and the information contained in this press release may change quickly. CDC will provide updated information as it becomes available.
For the latest updates, go to the CDC 2019 Novel Coronavirus website at: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/index.html