A coronavirus is a type of common virus that can infect your respiratory tract, and can spread much like cold viruses. They tend to circulate in the fall and winter. Almost everyone gets a coronavirus infection at least once in their lifetime, most likely as a young child.
Sometimes a novel (new) type of coronavirus emerges and begins infecting humans, like in Wuhan, China. Since the coronavirus is new and people have not developed resistance to it, the virus is causing an outbreak of respiratory illness.
While the CDC considers this to be a serious public health concern, based on current information (1/28/2020), the immediate health risk from the 2019-nCoV to the general American public is considered low at this time.
The Montgomery Health Department is working with the NJ Department of Health to monitor the situation closely, and proactively distribute guidance documents for health care professionals to effectively respond to any cases that may be identified in the state.
The Montgomery Health Department is also working with the NJ Department of Health to establish contacts should ill travelers be identified; and sharing guidance documents for investigating and managing suspect cases and their contacts.
It is recommended that individuals follow these public health guidelines, not just for coronavirus
, but also to prevent the spread of influenza
(which is widespread in New Jersey):
- Cover coughs and sneezes with a tissue (then properly dispose of the tissue) or sleeve, not your hands.
- Wash your hands often with soap and water for 20 seconds, especially after touching commonly used surfaces. Use alcohol-based hand sanitizer if soap and water are not available.
- Avoid touching eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands.
- Stay home if you are sick and avoid sick people.
- Review and follow CDC travel advisories (https://wwwnc.cdc.gov/travel/notices/alert/novel-coronavirus-china) when planning travel. If you become ill after returning home to the United States ...
Further Info Links:
-NJ Department of Health call center on Novel Coronavirus
1-800-222-1222 (in partnership with NJ Poison Center)
-Montgomery Twp. Health Dept. - (908) 359-8211
