As of Tuesday, there were no confirmed cases of coronavirus in Contra Costa County, according to Contra Costa Health Services (CCHS).
The virus that causes an outbreak of pneumonia illnesses began in the city of Wuhan, Hubei Province, China, in early December and, since then, nearly 500 people have died and over 24,000 infected, mostly in China, according to the New York Times’ live update of the outbreak. The majority of patients infected were older individuals with pre-existing health conditions such as heart diseases or diabetes.
In the U.S., there were 11 confirmed cases as of Tuesday, including four in Northern California, and travelers coming from China are being screened at U.S. airports. Two planes carrying hundreds of Americans who were evacuated from China were flown to Travis Air Force Base in Fairfield, where evacuees will be quarantined, according to news reports.
“Contra Costa residents are at low risk of becoming infected,” according to CCHS. “Only people who recently traveled to China or have had close contact with someone who became ill with the novel coronavirus after recent travel in China could be exposed.”
Still, County officials say they’re remaining vigilant. County hospitals such as the Contra Costa Regional Medical Center & Health Centers are asking patients about symptoms and recent travel to China. Similarly, patients calling 911 will also be asked about their symptoms and travels. CCHS has sent information about coronavirus to local medical providers, paramedics and schools.
The coronavirus likely emerged from an animal source and appears to be spreading from person-to-person, according to the Center for Disease Control (CDC). Symptoms have included mild to severe respiratory illness with fever, cough, and difficulty breathing, according to the CDC.
For updates in the County, visit this website.
