Travelers At JFK Screened For Deadly Coronavirus

NEW YORK — Health officials in New York City have started screening arrivals at JFK Airport for the deadly new corona virus as the first U.S. case of it was recorded in Washington state.

The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention started screening arrivals to the airport from Wuhan, China.

“CDC and (World Health Organization) are learning more about this new coronavirus every day,” said city Health Commissioner Dr. Oxiris Barbot.

“At this time, the actual risk to New Yorkers is low, but our level of preparedness is high, and we are monitoring the situation daily to determine if our plans to protect New Yorkers need to be adjusted accordingly.”

Coronaviruses are responsible for illnesses such as Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS) and Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (MERS).

The virus was first spotted in the U.S. when a Washington state resident sought medical aid after returning from a trip to Wuhan on Jan. 15, the CDC confirmed Tuesday.

"The patient recently returned from Wuhan, China, where an outbreak of pneumonia caused by this novel coronavirus has been ongoing since December 2019," the CDC said.

Relatively little is known about the virus, which has reportedly been responsible for 17 deaths in China but also milder, nonlethal symptoms. The CDC said that there is little risk of infection to the American public at large.

New York City's health department said anybody who has traveled to Wuhan and has a fever, cough or difficulty breathing should:

• Seek medical care right away. Before going to a doctor’s office or emergency room, call ahead and tell them about recent travel and symptoms.
• Avoid contact with others.
• Not travel while sick.
• Cover mouth and nose with a tissue or your sleeve (not hands) when coughing or sneezing.
• Wash hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. Use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer if soap and water are not available.