No Confirmed Cases of 2019 novel Coronavirus (n-CoV) at Kaweah Delta

VISALIA, Calif. - With two confirmed cases of the novel coronavirus 2019 (nCoV-2019) in California, some are wondering if there are any confirmed cases in Tulare County.

There have been no confirmed cases of the 2019 novel Coronavirus (n-CoV) at Kaweah Delta. However, as we do with all infectious diseases, we are working closely with health partners such as the California Department of Public Health and the Tulare County Health & Human Services Agency to ensure that should there ever be a local exposure, our patients and visitors will be safe. Please note there are other coronaviruses that are not the same as the 2019 n-CoV and they are responsible for the common cold.

The California Department of Public Health is saying the immediate health risk from nCoV 2019 to the general public is low.

For confirmed cases of the virus, people have had fevers, coughs, and shortness of breath and been mildly sick to severely ill; some have died, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

The CDC is also saying there is currently no vaccine to prevent 2019-nCoV infection. The best way to prevent infection is to avoid being exposed to this virus. However, as a reminder, CDC always recommends everyday preventive actions to help prevent the spread of respiratory viruses, including:

• Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. Use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol if soap and water are not available.
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands.
• Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
• Stay home when you are sick.
• Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then throw the tissue in the trash.
• Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surface

If you were in China in the last 14 days and feel sick with fever, cough, or difficulty breathing, CDC advises you should:

• Seek medical care right away. Before you go to a doctor’s office or emergency room, call ahead and tell them about your recent travel and your symptoms.
• Avoid contact with others.
• Not travel while sick.
• Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue or your sleeve (not your hands) when coughing or sneezing.
• Wash hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds to avoid spreading the virus to others. Use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol if soap and water are not available.