2 In NH Who Returned From China Have Coronavirus Symptoms

CONCORD, NH — The New Hampshire Department of Health and Human Services is preparing the state to contain a deadly coronavirus outbreak after two people who recently returned from Wuhan City, China, developed symptoms. The Division of Public Health Services issued an alert Monday and said officials are monitoring "potential cases and taking precautions" to limit any exposure in New Hampshire. There are currently five people infected with coronavirus in four U.S. states; more than 100 other people are being tested.

"The risk to our communities in New Hampshire is low, but we want to identify people who may be infected with this new coronavirus in order to prevent spread," State Epidemiologist Dr. Benjamin Chan said. "We have recommended that healthcare providers conduct travel screenings and implement isolation practices for patients with a fever or respiratory illness who report travel to this affected region of China. This is a rapidly changing situation, and we remain committed to providing timely updates to residents of New Hampshire and our health care providers."

The division has been asking health care providers to alert officials of any Granite Staters who have traveled in Wuhan City or the Hubei Province recently who may have become ill to ensure that testing and isolation of the patients to stop any potential spread of the virus. The two identified individuals have "more mild illness" but both sought care and are recovering. They remain isolated, officials stated.

Testing samples have been sent to the Center for Disease Control and if they test positive for the virus, the division will share that information with the public as quickly as possible.

Symptoms include fever, cough, and difficulty breathing.

Officials said it is still unknown how it spreads. But like other illnesses, person-to-person transmission is one way the virus is spreading.

The CDC recommends taking the same preventative measures individuals take with the flu to prevent the spread including frequent hand-washing with soap and water, avoiding sick people, staying home if you are feeling sick, covering your nose and mouth when sneezing and coughing, and cleaning surfaces and objects that might contain germs.

For more information on novel coronavirus, visit cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/index.html.

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