Health Officials Closely Monitoring Coronavirus Developments
UNION COUNTY PUBLIC HEALTH ADVISORY Submitted by the Center for Human Development, Inc. Public Health Department, Union County Emergency Services and Grande Ronde Hospital and Clinics
Today’s Date: January 29, 2020
Contacts: Carrie Brogoitti, CHD Public Health Administrator, 541 910-7207
Susie Cederholm, CHD Public Information Officer, 541 910-8811
George Thompson, CHD Public Health Emergency Preparedness, 541 910-9994
Union County Health Officials Closely Monitoring Developments Related to 2019 Novel Coronavirus
Union County health officials are closely monitoring developments related to the 2019 Novel Coronavirus, or 2019nCoV, a new respiratory virus first identified in Wuhan, Hubei Province, China. While we are taking this new virus seriously, at this point in time we believe the risk of getting the coronavirus in Oregon is still low. Some viruses are highly contagious (like measles), while other viruses are less so. Because this is a new (novel) coronavirus that has not been previously identified, we are learning more about it every day and it is difficult to predict exactly how widespread it will become. It is not clear yet how easily 2019-nCoV spreads from person-to-person. However, as with any virus like the common cold, the flu, and the coronavirus there are steps you can take to protect yourself and prevent the spread. We encourage Union County residents to ALWAYS practice the following general prevention steps:
- Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds or use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer.
- 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 surfaces.
One thing we do know is that influenza is much more widespread in the US and has caused more deaths than coronavirus. The CDC estimates that during the 2018–2019 season an estimated 35.5 million people became sick with influenza, 16.5 million people went to a health care provider for their illness, 490,600 were hospitalized, and 34,200 people died from influenza. There is a vaccine for influenza, and it is not too late to get it! Contact your health care provider or CHD at 541-962-8800 to schedule your vaccine appointment.
**If you have traveled to Wuhan, China or been in close contact with someone who has AND have flu-like symptoms (fever, cough, shortness of breath, and sore throat) please contact your health care provider for guidance on how to get help. Please call before arriving. Nonessential travel to Wuhan, China should be avoided.
For more information about public health please visit CHD’s website:
www.chdinc.org
For more information about coronavirus visit the CDC website:
https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/index.html
For more information about travel visit the CDC website:
https://wwwnc.cdc.gov/travel/destinations/traveler/none/china#travel-notices
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