No Cases Of Novel Coronavirus Identified In Northern Virginia

FAIRFAX, VA — The Virginia Department of Health and local counterparts are monitoring the novel coronavirus outbreak but says no cases have been identified in the state, although five people were tested in the past two weeks. To date, there have been 11 cases confirmed in the United States.

The novel coronavirus (2019 n-CoV) outbreak originated in Wuhan, the capital of the Hubei province of China in December 2019. China confirmed 490 deaths related to the coronavirus and over 3,000 critical cases, The Washington Post reported Wednesday.

According to the Virginia Department of Health, two individuals in the Northern Virginia health region tested negative for the novel coronavirus, including a George Mason University student. Three other cases in central Virginia all tested negative for the potentially deadly virus, according to a Feb. 5 update.

Fairfax County Public Schools made changes to an exchange program involving students from the Hubei province of China. As a precaution, the students did not attend Longfellow Middle School classes, but students were provided with cultural and educational activities in the DC area. There were no signs of illness among the students.

The novel coronavirus situation is an "evolving situation and information may change rapidly," the health department said in a statement. Fairfax County health officials are preparing for the possibility of an imported case of the novel coronavirus, Dr. Gloria Addo-Ayensu, director of health for Fairfax County, said in a video message. When the health department receives information about a potential case, it tests, investigates and provides information to the individuals.

"If at any point testing confirms a case of novel coronavirus in Fairfax County, individuals who are deemed to be at risk because they have been in close contact with a patient and were likely exposed will receive specific protective recommendations on how to monitor themselves and limit the possible spread of illness within our community," said Addo-Ayensu.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention are working to identify sick individuals, including those on international flights to U.S. airports. Passengers from China are being screened at Dulles International Airport, according to Addo-Ayensu.

She says exposure to the novel coronavirus is most probable when an individual is within six feet of a sick person for a prolonged time, and it's less likely with brief contact. To avoid spreading the novel coronavirus, she recommends the same guidance colds and the flu to sick individuals: cover coughs and sneezes, wash your hands, stay home during illnesses and get a flu shot. The CDC urges individuals to avoid non-essential travel to China.

Updates and resources on the novel coronavirus:

• Fairfax County Health Department
• Virginia Department of Health
• Centers for Disease Control and Prevention