First Case of Coronavirus From China Hits San Francisco Bay Area
Coronavirus Concerns Hit Bay Area
Coronavirus concerns have hit the San Francisco Bay Area. The first case of coronavirus from Wuhan, China has been confirmed in Santa Clara. Health officials say an adult male resident tested positive for the coronavirus, but the risk to residents of that community remains low.
The patient traveled to Wuhan, China and returned home to Santa Clara on January 24. He arrived at the San Jose airport and did not leave his home since. The good news is that he had very little contact with other people and places and since arriving in the bay area and he has been in isolation.
Public health officials are currently attempting to reach the shortlist of those he came into contact with, along with his family members. They will then assess and determine if those individuals were exposed to the virus. If determined to have contracted the coronavirus, they will have to undergo a 14-day quarantine. Health officials say it takes up to two weeks for someone who is infected to get sick.
Public Health Department Statement
Despite the confirmed case, Dr. Sara Cody, director of Santa Clara County’s Public Health Department stated:
“We understand that this news may be concerning, but based on what we know today, the risk to residents of our community remains low. This news is not unexpected. Santa Clara County has the largest population in the Bay Area, and many of our residents travel for both personal and business reasons.”
This is currently the third case of coronavirus in California and the seventh case nationwide. Nearly 10,000 people worldwide have been infected in the past 2 months, and it has killed more than 200 people. The World Health Organization has since declared a global emergency because of the outbreak.
Symptoms and Prevention
If you or a family member have traveled to China recently and are experiencing symptoms of fever, cough, shortness of breath, seek medical care right away. Avoid contact with others and do not travel while you are sick. Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue or your sleeve, and not into your hands when coughing or sneezing. Wash your hands often with soap and warm water for at least 20 seconds, to avoid spreading the virus to others. Use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol, if soap and water are not available. Avoid contact with pets and other animals, as several types of coronavirus can cause illness in animals and then spread between animals and people. There have been no reports of pets or other animals in the United States becoming sick with coronavirus. But if you are ill and have a pet, it is highly recommended that you wear a face mask and avoid contact.
