As many of you are already aware, there is an outbreak of pneumonia in Wuhan, China, that has been identified to be caused by a novel (NEW) coronavirus (2019-nCoV). There are ongoing investigations by many countries to learn more about the outbreak, and the situation is rapidly evolving.

Los Angeles County Department of Public Health (Public Health) is working with federal, state, and local partners including the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the California Department of Public Health (CDPH), Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) and health care providers to prepare and appropriately care for people who may be at risk for illness associated with novel coronavirus or who have tested positive for novel coronavirus.

What is novel coronavirus (2019-nCoV)?
Coronaviruses are a large family of viruses that cause diseases of varying severities, ranging from the common cold to more severe diseases.

In general, transmission of coronaviruses is most likely while a person has symptoms.

This is a new virus called a novel coronavirus (CoV) because it is a new strain of coronavirus that has not been previously identified in humans. The symptoms of novel coronavirus include fever, cough, and difficulty breathing. Health officials across the world are actively collecting information about clinical manifestations of this new virus and who is at risk for infection.

How and where did the Coronavirus originate?
Since December 2019, Chinese authorities identified thousands of cases, and dozens of deaths, associated with this novel (new) coronavirus in an outbreak of pneumonia that began in Wuhan City, Hubei Province, China. The number of cases of novel Coronavirus continues to increase and includes cases in many different countries. In the United States, novel coronavirus infections have been confirmed in several people who traveled to or came from Wuhan City or were in close contact with a person who was infected with novel coronavirus, This includes one traveler from Wuhan who transited through LAX in Los Angeles County. This person was immediately transferred to a local hospital and Public Health is following up with all close contacts.

How is Novel Coronavirus treated?
There is no vaccine for novel coronavirus. People who traveled to or from Wuhan or were in close contact with someone who was infected with novel coronavirus and develop a fever and fever or respiratory symptoms within 14 days of their travel or exposure should seek medical care. There is no current specific treatment for disease caused by a novel coronavirus, although scientists are working on testing medication options. However, many of the symptoms can be treated and effective treatment is based on the patient’s clinical condition.

Although officials at the LA County Department of Public Health are taking this novel virus seriously, and are well prepared to treat cases and monitor close contacts, CDC currently estimates the threat to the United States to be low. Travelers to and from Wuhan or other places in China who have no symptoms of respiratory illness should not be excluded from any activities. Because novel coronavirus is new, more is being learned each day about transmission patterns and incubation periods.  Public Health will keep everyone informed as more information becomes available. The risk of transmission in LA County remains low.

Should staff or students wear masks?
Currently CDC does not recommend that the wearing of masks be mandated for staff or students. The wearing of masks is common in many countries, and we advise the public to exercise their own discretion in their use. As always, Public Health recommends that persons who are ill stay home to limit transmission of all viruses.

What is Public Health doing in response?
Public Health will continue assisting the CDC to ensure that travelers from Wuhan City or people connected with a confirmed case that have a fever or respiratory symptoms upon arrival to LAX are appropriately screened, tested and receive care. Travelers from Wuhan City and other places in China who are not ill are provided with information on symptoms and advised to seek care if they become ill while visiting LA County. While there is no cure for this virus, hospital partners and clinical providers will be able to test and care for ill travelers to minimize transmission and severe illness. Public Health issued a new health advisory informing local healthcare providers in LA County of the current situation on January 27, 2020. The team from Acute Communicable Disease Control (ACDC) will continue providing updates and working with local healthcare providers as the situation evolves.

If you or someone you know has traveled to Wuhan and feel sick, please:

  • Stay home and avoid contact with others, except for seeking medical care.
  • 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.
  • Do not travel while sick.
  • Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue or your sleeve (not your hands) when coughing or sneezing.
  • Wash your hands frequently.

Follow standard environmental infection control procedures for healthcare settings.

As with other respiratory illness, there are steps that everyone can take to reduce the risk of getting sick from circulating viruses.

  • Wash hands often with soap and water for 20 seconds. Use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer if soap and water are not on hand.
  • Cover your nose and mouth with your elbow or a tissue when coughing or sneezing.
  • Avoiding touching your eyes, nose, and mouth.
  • Limiting close contact, like kissing and sharing cups or utensils, with people who are sick.
  • Remain home when ill.