- LAKE COUNTY NEWS REPORTS
- Posted On
State health officials confirm third case of novel coronavirus in California
The agency said it was informed that one person in Santa Clara County has tested positive for the virus, information that was confirmed by the Santa Clara County Public Health Department and the U. S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention laboratory.
CDPH did not provide additional information about the patient beyond what is being shared by the Santa Clara County Public Health Department.
The novel coronavirus 2019, or nCoV 2019, originated in Wuhan, Hubei Province, China.
Health officials said coronaviruses are a large group of viruses that are common among animals and humans. Animal coronaviruses have been known to be transmitted to humans in rare cases.
The nCoV 2019 strain has not been previously detected in animals or humans, and the source of it is still being investigated, according to health officials.
Currently, the California Department of Public Health confirms a total of three cases of novel coronavirus in California: one individual in Santa Clara County, one individual in Los Angeles County and one individual in Orange County have tested positive for novel coronavirus 2019.
“It is understandable that some Californians may be nervous about potential spread of novel coronavirus, but the risk to the general public in California remains low,” said Dr. Sonia Angell, California Public Health Department director and state health officer. “The Department of Public Health has been closely tracking this virus and we are actively engaged with our local health departments, the CDC and local governments to make sure Californians remain safe and healthy.”
At this time, no other persons infected with novel coronavirus have been identified in California. Currently, the immediate health risk from novel coronavirus 2019 to the general public is low.
In neighboring Napa County, Health Officer Dr. Karen Relucio said they are monitoring the situation closely and preparing to protect the health of Napa County residents by limiting the spread of this virus
“We are working 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,” said Dr. Relucio.
The newest California case brings the total confirmed cases nationwide to seven in four states: Arizona, California, Illinois and Washington, according to state and federal officials.
Officials said that 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.
The latest numbers from the national Centers for Disease Control said that 121 cases in 36 states are under investigation, with test results pending. Another 114 cases tested negative.
The CDC has also recommended that travelers avoid all nonessential travel to China. The agency is conducting monitoring for potential illness among travelers arriving from China at 20 U.S airports, officials said.
On Thursday, the International Health Regulations Emergency Committee of the World Health Organization declared that the outbreak of 2019-nCoV constitutes a public health emergency of international concern.
Locations across the globe with confirmed 2019-nCoV cases include China, Hong Kong, Macau, Taiwan, Australia, Cambodia, Canada, Finland, France, Germany, India, Italy, Japan, Malaysia, Nepal, Philippines, Russia, Sri Lanka, Singapore, Sweden, Thailand, The Republic of Korea, United Arab Emirates, United Kingdom, United States and Vietnam.
On Friday, United States Health and Human Services Secretary Alex M. Azar II declared a public health emergency for the United States to aid the nation’s healthcare community in responding to nCoV 2019.
CDPH said it is very important for people who have recently traveled and who become ill to notify their health care provider of their travel history. Those who have recently traveled to China or who have had contact with a person with possible novel coronavirus infection should contact their local health department or health care provider.
The Department of Public Health has been prepared and is continuing with the following actions:
– Providing information about the outbreak and how to report suspect cases to local health departments and health care providers in California.
– Coordinating with CDC personnel who are doing screening of travelers from China at SFO and LAX.
– Assuring that health care providers know how to safely manage persons with possible novel coronavirus 2019 infection.
– Supporting hospitals and local public health laboratories for collection and shipment of specimens for testing at CDC for novel coronavirus 2019.
– Activating the Department of Public Health’s Emergency Operations Center to coordinate response efforts across the state.
The novel coronavirus 2019 outbreak in China continues to evolve and California is prepared for more cases that may arise.
“The California Department of Public Health considers this a very important public health event; we are closely monitoring the situation and providing updates to partners across the state to support their preparedness efforts,” the agency reported.
As with any virus, especially during the flu season, the Health Department reminds you there are a number of steps you can take to protect your health and those around you:
– Washing hands with soap and water.
– Avoiding touching eyes, nose or mouth with unwashed hands.
– Avoiding close contact with people who are sick are all ways to reduce the risk of infection with a number of different viruses.
– Staying away from work, school or other people if you become sick with respiratory symptoms like fever and cough.