UPDATED (1/20/2020)_: The World Health Organization has declared the coronavirus outbreak in China a public health emergency of international concern.

NACHC is closely monitoring developments and reports from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) related to the outbreak of respiratory illness caused by a novel (new) coronavirus (termed “2019-nCoV”) that was first detected in Wuhan City, Hubei Province, China. Chinese health officials have reported thousands of infections of coronavirus in China with the virus reportedly spreading from person to person. There are also a growing number of infections in international locations, including the United States. According to the CDC, imported cases of 2019-nCoV infection in people have been detected in the U.S but at “this time this virus is NOT currently spreading in the community in the United States. “

The CDC also recommends the following actions so that everyone can do their part to help them respond to this emerging public health threat:

• For everyone:  As it is currently flu and respiratory disease season, the CDC recommends people get vaccinated, taking everyday preventive actions (hand-washing, covering coughs, etc.) to stop the spread of germs, and taking flu antivirals if prescribed.
• For health care professionals and health center staff: 
  • Be on the look-out for people with a travel history to Wuhan, China, with fever and respiratory symptoms. 
  • If you are a health care professional caring for a 2019-nCoV/coronavirus patient, take care of yourself and follow recommended infection control procedures.
• For people who may have the coronavirus infection:  Please follow CDC guidance on how to reduce the risk of spreading your illness to others.
• For travelers:  Stay up to date with CDC’s travel health notices related to this outbreak.