County Public Health closely monitors novel coronavirus

January 30, 2020

SOLANO COUNTY, CA – Solano 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 Solano County.

As of January 30, 2020, six cases have been confirmed in the United States in four states, including Arizona, California, Illinois and Washington. Two of confirmed cases have been identified in California, with both cases having traveled from Wuhan, China. The CDC is continuing screening of travelers arriving from China at 20 U.S. airports.

"We are monitoring the situation closely to protect the health of Solano County residents and limit the spread of this virus," said Dr. Bela Matyas, Solano County Health Officer. “The potential for a disease outbreak is always a public health concern. We are working with health care providers and community partners to review emergency procedures and we are prepared to take action should someone in our county become ill with this new 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 and the source is not yet known. On January 30, 2020, the CDC has confirmed that the novel coronavirus has spread between two people in Illinois, representing the first instance of person-to-person spread with the new virus here in the U.S.

While this is considered a serious public health threat, based on current information, the risk to the general public in Solano County is considered low at this time.  It is likely that more cases will be 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 like 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.

If you have recently been to China (including any layovers), or came in close contact with someone who traveled from China within the last 14 days, and you develop a fever or lower respiratory symptoms (coughing or shortness of breath), first call your health care provider. Let the provider know about your travel history or that you were in close contact with someone who traveled from China before visiting the doctor's office or emergency room.

China Travel Notice
CDC recommends that travelers avoid all non-essential travel to China. Chinese health officials have reported thousands of cases in China with severe illness, including more than a hundred deaths.

Tips to Protect Yourself and Others
No additional precautions are recommended at this time.  Continue your daily precautions, including:

1.     Washing hands with liquid soap and water, and rubbing for at least 20 seconds

2.     Covering your mouth and nose with a tissue or your sleeve (not your hands) when coughing or sneezing

3.     Staying home if you are sick

Since flu activity will continue to remain high during the 2019-2020 flu season, and symptoms of coronavirus are similar to the flu, Solano Public Health also recommends getting a flu shot to protect yourself and others from the flu.

Please note, this is an emerging, rapidly evolving situation, and the information contained in this press release may change quickly. The 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/nCoV