Waltham Health Department Issues Coronavirus Advisory

WALTHAM, MA — Waltham is at low risk for a deadly new virus that has spread from China to the U.S., but local and state health officials say they are monitoring what's happening.

"This situation continues to evolve rapidly," a release from the Waltham Health Department said.

Late last week a Boston man in his twenties returning from Wuhan, China tested positive for the virus, marking the state's first confirmed case and one of 11 nationwide. Following that, the U.S. Health and Human Services Secretary declared the virus a public health emergency and ordered any US citizens returning from the center of the outbreak in China to be quarantined for two weeks as a precaution. This came on the heels of the World Health Organization's declaration Thursday that the outbreak is now a Public Health Emergency of International Concern. As of Monday, 11 people in the United States have been diagnosed with the virus.

The Waltham Health Department is monitoring the latest information from both the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the Massachusetts Department of Public Health.

"There are not any special measures recommended for local public health departments or schools," the Waltham Health Department, which dials in regularly to statewide conference calls to monitor emerging information, said.

Resources:

Check the CDC website for updated information on the virus.
The state also releases information and guidelines here.

Respiratory Illness Prevention Tips

During the past four months, considered cold and flu season, the CDC estimates that flu has prompted 180,000 people to go to the hospital. Of those, about 10,000 people have died.

The Waltham Health Department issued tips on ways to prevent the spread of respiratory illnesses such as influenza and coronavirus.

• Wash your hands often and thoroughly with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. If soap and water is unavailable use and school based hand sanitizer. Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth with unwashed hands.
• Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue and then throw the tissue in the trash. You can also cough or sneeze into your sleeve.
• Avoid close contact with people who are sick whenever possible.
• Stay home when you are sick
• Clean and disinfect frequently touched surfaces at home work or school.

Related:

State Confirms First Massachusetts Coronavirus Case

Patch reporter Jenna Fisher can be reached at Jenna.Fisher@patch.com or by calling 617-942-0474. Follow her on Twitter and Instagram (@ReporterJenna).