Lexington BOH Statement On Coronavirus

LEXINGTON, MA — Lexington's Board of Health and Office of Public Health issued a statement on Monday about the Coronavirus. As of January 26, 2020, five cases of 2019-n-COv have been identified in the United States, but there are no identified cases of infection in Massachusetts.

This is a new strain of Coronavirus, first detected in Wuhan, China. Coronaviruses are a large family of viruses that may cause respiratory illness in people.

The Office of Public Health said it is participating in regular CDC and MDPH conference calls to closely monitor emerging information. To date there have been no directives for local public health action in Massachusetts

Because we are in the midst of seasonal cold and flu season, the BOH said is important to remind people that the risk of exposure to seasonal influenza is a greater concern at this time, and recommend people get their flu shot from their healthcare providers if they have not yet received one. There has been an uptick in seasonal influenza cases in recent weeks in Massachusetts and Lexington.

Prevent Exposure

The following precautionary actions will help prevent exposure to any respiratory viruses, including seasonal influenza and Coronavirus:

• Wash your hands often with soap and water (20 seconds of scrubbing) or use alcohol-based hand cleaners (cover all surfaces and rub until dry).
• Cough/sneeze into a tissue. Dispose of used tissues immediately into a trash can. If you don’t have a tissue, cough/sneeze into the crook of your elbow, not your hands.
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth, which accelerates the spread of infections.
• Avoid close contact with others who are sick.
• If you are sick, seek health care, and avoid contact with others, including large social gatherings, meetings, and events.

Travelers' Health

As of January 24, 2020, CDC recommends avoiding nonessential travel to Wuhan, China. Chinese officials have closed transport within and out of Wuhan, including buses, subways, trains, and the airport. Travelers to other parts of China should remain alert and avoid contact with sick people, animals (alive or dead), animal markets, and products that come from animals (such as uncooked meat). Travelers should wash hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, or use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer if soap and water are not available.

If individuals have traveled to China in the last 14 days and feel sick with fever, cough, or difficulty breathing, they should:

• Seek medical care right away. Before going to a doctor’s office or emergency room, call ahead and tell them about your recent travel and your symptoms.
• Avoid contact with others.
• Do 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, or use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer if soap and water are not available.