Media release: 2/26/20
The 2019 novel coronavirus (COVID-19) remains in the media and of concern to many, so the Nevada County Public Health Department created a new “News and Updates” tab on our website (https://www.mynevadacounty.com/551/Public-Health), in an effort to keep the community better informed and to offer links to sites that offer regular and reliable updates.
While COVID-19 should be recognized as a serious public health concern, we want to remind everyone that as of February 25, 2020, there has been no known community transmission of the virus in the U.S. Those in the U.S. who have been infected with the virus were either exposed in China or have been very close contacts of those who are ill. So, while the virus is a serious public health concern, the risk to most people in the U.S. remains low, and seasonal flu currently is a more immediate threat to individual and community health.
As the virus continues to spread globally, we have begun to start planning for the possibility of local, sustained community transmission. We have begun outreach and will continue to do so to health care facilities, the business community, schools and others to discuss what their planning efforts may include, and share with them recommended non-pharmaceutical interventions, which are actions that individuals and communities can take to help slow the spread of illnesses.
As a reminder, you can help to keep yourself and others safe from illness by washing your hands frequently and staying home when you’re sick.
To keep track of the rapidly evolving COVID-19 issue, please check the California Department of Public Health and the CDC websites that regularly post updates in English and Spanish at https://www.cdph.ca.gov/Programs/CID/DCDC/Pages/Immunization/nCOV2019.aspx and https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/index.html.
Media Release 1/28/20
Due to recent inquiries and to promote the health and safety of Nevada County residents, the Nevada County Public Health Department is closely monitoring the recent coronavirus outbreak in China.
There have been no suspected or confirmed cases of coronavirus in Nevada County. The new coronavirus called 2019-nCoV was first identified in Wuhan, China. It has spread in China and has been detected in multiple other countries including several cases in the United States.
The current threat to the general public who have not traveled to China is considered low. However, it is important that people keep informed about this rapidly evolving situation. To keep track of the rapidly evolving 2019-nCoV virus, please check:
- California Department of Public Health website: https://www.cdph.ca.gov/Programs/CID/DCDC/Pages/Immunization/nCOV2019.aspx
- CDC website: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/index.html
Coronaviruses are a family of viruses and this strain had not been previously identified. Reported illnesses in confirmed cases have ranged from mild symptoms to severe illness and death. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is monitoring the situation very closely, and the CDC now recommends that travelers avoid all nonessential travel to China. Multiple airports in the US are screening travelers arriving from China and any ill passengers receive additional evaluation and non-ill passengers are given information on steps to take if they do become ill.
Prevention
Right now, there has not been community transmission of this virus in the California. Currently, there is no vaccine to prevent against 2019-nCoV nor a specific treatment. The best way to prevent infection is to avoid being exposed to the virus. In addition to following travel advisories, one can:
- avoid close contact with people who are sick;
- avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth with unwashed hands; and
- wash your hands frequently with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. If soap and water are not available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer.
Many people have seen photos from China that show lots of people wearing face (surgical) masks. There is not good evidence that face masks prevent the public from being infected by viruses; however, wearing a mask may serve as a reminder not to touch your mouth and nose. Health care workers frequently wear N95 respirators that have been fit-tested for them. These respirators have not been tested for effectiveness when worn by the general public so there is not current evidence to support a general recommendation for their widespread use.
If you have traveled to China and develop fever and/or a cough or difficulty breathing within 14 days of travel or have been in close contact with someone ill who has been in China recently, please contact your doctor to tell them about symptoms and, importantly, about recent travel. The doctor can then give instructions on steps to take before a medical visit, take appropriate precautions to reduce the chance of spreading illness to others, and consult with your local Public Health department.
As a reminder, we are still in the midst of flu season, and getting the flu shot can help prevent the flu and its serious complications.
