Coronavirus Patient Cases in the US Climb

The U.S Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) this weekend confirmed additional U.S. cases of the new coronavirus (2019-nCOV) that originated in central China.

Last week, the CDC revealed a second person in the United States has contracted the coronavirus  The second patient, a woman in her 60s in Chicago, is in stable condition but is remaining in the hospital to make sure she cannot spread the infection. The CDC believes chances are low she gave the disease to others, as she has remained close to home and has had limited contact with people since she returned home from Wuhan, China on January 13.

The CDC is observing at least 50 people in 22 U.S. states who may have had contact with the Chicago patient or the first patient, a man in his 30s from the Seattle area.

Yesterday, the CDC revealed additional cases of the new virus have been confirmed—two in California and one in Arizona, CNN reports. All had traveled to Wuhan. 

Symptoms of 2019-nCOV include fever, cough, and impaired breathing. The disease is thought to have originally spread from animals to people, but there is growing evidence it is now spreading from person to person. Health officials stress that although it is wise to be aware of the coronavirus, the chances of catching it in the United States are low.

Cleaning professionals need training and education to be prepared for possible infectious disease issues. See what the Global Biorisk Advisory Council has to say in a recent ISSA Today article on Facing the Next Pandemic.