Possible New Coronavirus Case Being Investigated In Ohio

COLUMBUS, OH — Another possible case of the new coronavirus is being investigated in Ohio. Health officials said they are awaiting test results from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention in the latest suspected case.

The Ohio Department of Health said it would not release any identifying details about the person being tested, including where they are from. However, officials did say the person being tested is being monitored along with friends and family.

“This is part of public health’s ever-present work to balance public interest with the privacy rights of our individual citizens,” said Dr. Amy Acton, health department director. “We are committed to ensuring they receive proper, compassionate care and to preventing any possible spread of infectious disease.”

Health department officials said Ohio is still at low risk of being impacted by the new coronavirus, and there have been no confirmed cases in Ohio.

Two students at Miami University in Oxford tested negative for the virus on Monday, the health department announced.

There are currently 12 confirmed cases of the Wuhan coronavirus in the U.S., according to the CDC. An additional 82 cases are being investigated throughout the nation. The state nearest Ohio with a confirmed case is Illinois.

Health officials believe coronaviruses are primarily spread through respiratory droplets. That means, to be infected by the virus, someone must be within 6 feet of a contagious person who coughs or breathes on them.

Symptoms of the Wuhan coronavirus generally appear within two to 14 days after exposure, officials said. Symptoms include fever, cough, runny nose and difficulty breathing. There is no vaccine to prevent the virus.

The Ohio Department of Health said preventing the spread of any virus — such as the flu or the Wuhan coronavirus — is simple. Ohioans should:

• Wash their hands with soap and water.
• Avoid touching their eyes, nose or mouth with unwashed hands.
• Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
• Avoid going to work, or out, if they are sick.
• Cover their mouth with a tissue when coughing or sneezing, then throw that tissue in the trash.