According to the Stanislaus County Health Services Agency (schsa.org) website, as of March 16 there were three Coronavirus cases in Stanislaus County and there have been no local deaths related to the virus.
The World Health Organization (WHO), the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), and state and local jurisdictions across the nation are closely monitoring an outbreak of respiratory disease caused by a novel (new) coronavirus that was first detected in Wuhan City, Hubei Province, China and which has now been detected in 37 locations internationally, including cases in the United States.
Coronaviruses are a large group of viruses that are common among animals and humans. In rare cases, animal coronaviruses can be transmitted from animals to humans. This novel coronavirus that causes COVID-19 is a newly discovered coronavirus that has not been previously detected in animals or humans. The source of this virus is not yet known.
Typically, human coronaviruses cause mild-to-moderate respiratory illness. Symptoms are very similar to the flu, including: fever, cough, and shortness of breath. In some cases, COVID-19 can cause more severe respiratory illness.
Health care providers will assess patients, and if COVID-19 is a possible diagnosis, they will do further testing. At this time, the only laboratory testing for COVID-19 is being done at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's laboratory. If a patient is suspected to be infected with novel coronavirus, public health agencies will work with health care providers to ensure CDC testing can be completed.
Most people with illnesses due to common coronavirus infections recover on their own; there are no specific treatments for coronavirus infections. For patients who are more severely ill, hospitals can provide supportive care.
Practice everyday preventive actions to help prevent the spread of respiratory viruses, including: Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. If soap and water are not available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer.
Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands. Avoid close contact with people who are sick. Stay home when you are sick.
Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then throw the tissue in the trash. Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces.
These everyday habits can help prevent the spread of several viruses.
