Coronavirus And Pennsylvania: 5 Things To Know

HARRISBURG, PA — Authorities in Pennsylvania say they're taking "every precaution necessary" to ensure residents are protected against the 2019 novel coronavirus, which is being closely monitored by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention following an outbreak in China that has spread to the United States.

The new virus, which causes respiratory illness and can spread person-to-person, was first identified in Wuhan, China. The New York Times reported on Wednesday that the number of confirmed cases has increased to 6,065 worldwide. All but 68 of the infections occurred in China, the publication noted.

Here are five things to know about coronavirus' risk in Pennsylvania and how the state is preparing for the potential threat:

1. So far, no cases have been confirmed in Pennsylvania. A foreign exchange student at William Penn Charter School was tested earlier this week for the virus but was cleared.

"At this time, there have not been any cases confirmed in the state. Nationwide, there are dozens of potential cases that are currently being investigated by local, state and federal health officials," said Brittany Lauffer, a spokesperson for the Pennsylvania Department of Health.

2. State health officials say they are working with local physicians and the CDC on testing any potential cases. The CDC is also recommending that travelers avoid non-essential travel to Hubei Province, China, including Wuhan.

"The Department, through our team of epidemiologists and our emergency response section, are working closely with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and our and municipal health departments to monitor the coronavirus outbreak in China and Asia, and associated cases in the United States. We are also in constant contact with our healthcare partners across the state," Lauffer said.

Additionally, the state has put out advisories to physicians, alerting them to the latest information regarding the coronavirus and asking them to report any suspected cases.

3. Anyone who has traveled to China in the last 14 days and feels sick with fever, cough, or is having difficulty breathing should seek medical care right away. The CDC said symptoms of 2019 coronavirus may appear in as few as two days or could take as long as 14 days after exposure.

Lauffer recommends anyone who does not feel well to cover their cough and sneeze, clean surfaces and wash their hands frequently, and contain their illness by staying home. "Washing your hands and taking other steps to protect yourself from illnesses such as the flu, the common cold and coronavirus are essential," she said.

4. Most coronaviruses cause mild respiratory illnesses, similar to the common cold, and a fever. Some can be more severe, such as SARS and MERS, health officials say.

5. More information on the virus can be found on the Pennsylvania Department of Health website.