- Lake County News reports
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Napa County confirms first case of novel coronavirus; second case under investigation
A second patient with symptoms is under investigation at the hospital, according to the report.
Neither of the patients is a resident of Napa County, officials said.
Officials could not clarify whether the newly confirmed case in Napa County is in addition to, or counted among, eight cases – including two from separate repatriation flights – confirmed statewide as of Feb. 12, according to the California Department of Public Health, or CDPH.
CDPH told Lake County News that approximately 150 persons in California have been tested for the virus.
The case reported in Napa County is so far the closest confirmed case to Lake County, where Public Health Officer Dr. Gary Pace – in his most recent report to the Board of Supervisors last week – said that the virus so far hasn’t been detected.
Napa County reported that the two patients arrived at the Queen of the Valley on Monday from Travis Air Force Base in Solano County. The patients were flown to Travis AFB from Japan, where they were under quarantine on the Diamond Princess cruise ship.
Among the cruise ship passengers flown to Travis AFB, seven were identified as needing testing or hospitalization. Officials said five of the seven patients were sent to local hospitals in Solano County.
Due to a limited number of isolation beds in Solano County, two patients were transferred to Queen of the Valley in Napa, officials said.
“There is minimal risk for Napa County residents from the arrival of these two patients at the Queen of the Valley,” said Napa County Public Health Officer Karen Relucio, MD. “They are in isolation, and are receiving medical care and undergoing testing.”
Amy Herold, M.D., chief medical officer at Queen of the Valley, said the hospital is working closely with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and Napa County Public Health to care for the two patients.
“Out of caution, the patients are being monitored in special isolation rooms that have negative pressure to minimize the risk of exposure,” Herold said. “We are following established infection control protocols and working closely with our partners at CDC and Napa County Public Health to ensure the safety and well-being of our caregivers, patients and visitors.”
Herold added, “Our hospital is equipped to handle the virus. Our caregivers are well prepared; they have received training, have practiced for these scenarios and are wearing protective equipment to minimize their risk of exposure. No hospital operations are impacted.”
The confirmed case of novel coronavirus, or COVID-19, tested positive for the virus in Japan but has not experienced any symptoms associated with the virus so far, according to the Napa County report.
Officials said the patient under investigation for COVID-19 tested negative for the virus while in Japan but is experiencing symptoms. The patient is being tested at Queen of the Valley.
Both patients are under federal quarantine. The city and state of origin for both patients is not known at this time, officials said.
Symptoms of novel coronavirus (COVID-19)
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.
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, health officials also recommend getting a flu shot to protect yourself and others from the flu.
For the latest updates, go to the CDC 2019 Novel Coronavirus website at https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/index.html .