50 Monitored For 'Close Contacts' With Novel Coronavirus Patient

EVERETT, WA — State health workers are making at least 50 daily phone calls to verify the health of those who had "close contact" with a Snohomish County man before he was diagnosed with new respiratory virus. The people under monitoring in Washington were determined to have interacted with or been within a few feet of the man before he was placed into isolation.

So far, none of the additional people monitored in Washington have shown symptoms.

The man continues to be observed in satisfactory condition by medical staff at Everett's Providence Regional Medical Center, but no discharge date has been set. His illness became the first confirmed case of the new respiratory virus in the U.S. last weekend. A Chicago woman was diagnosed with the illness Friday. Both had recently traveled to Wuhan, China, the source of the outbreak.

Wuhan and its surrounding cities were placed into lockdown this week as the number of confirmed cases in mainland China grew past 1,300. Chinese health officials said 41 people have died. The Associated Press reports three people have now fallen ill with the virus in France, marking its first appearance in Europe.

The Washington Department of Health said Friday it was also investigating "a few individuals" unrelated to the first case for potential infection, but noted other respiratory illnesses are very common this time of year. Health officials said the public will be notified, should any additional cases be confirmed.

Researchers are still learning exactly how the virus behaves, but they believe it is only infectious after a person shows symptoms. Most strains in the coronavirus family spread primarily through "respiratory droplets," which require close proximity for potential exposure. The new virus is officially referred to as "2019 novel coronavirus" or "2019-nCoV."

Symptoms can include a fever, respiratory issues, headaches, and a sore throat. In some cases overseas, the virus has caused pneumonia.

The state Department of Health said the best way to stay healthy is the same way to avoid contracting any viral respiratory infection:

• Wash hands often, using soap and water for at least 20 seconds.
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose, or mouth with unwashed hands.
• Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
• Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when you cough or sneeze.
• Clean and disinfect surfaces.

Public health officials say the risk to the general public remains low. Anyone with questions about the virus is encouraged to contact the Department of Health hotline at 1-800-525-0127.

You can find daily updates on Washington's response to the 2019 novel coronavirus on the Department of Health website.