STAN COUNTY OFFICIALS PROVIDE INFORMATION ON CORONAVIRUS
The World Health Organization (WHO), the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), and state and local jurisdictions across the nation are closely monitoring an outbreak of respiratory disease caused by a novel (new) coronavirus that was first detected in Wuhan City, Hubei Province, China and which has now been detected in 37 locations internationally, including cases in the United States. The virus has been named “SARS-CoV-2” and the disease it causes has been named “coronavirus disease 2019” (abbreviated “COVID-19”).
Source and Spread of the Virus
Coronaviruses are a large group of viruses that are common among animals and humans. In rare cases, animal coronaviruses can be transmitted from animals to humans. This new coronavirus that causes COVID-19 is a newly discovered coronavirus that has not been previously detected in animals or humans. The source of this virus is not yet known.
The Stanislaus County Public Health (PH) understands there are concerns about novel coronavirus, and understandably so. Although coronaviruses are a group of viruses that aren’t new, this is a new type of coronavirus and they are still learning about it.
What are the symptoms of COVID-19?
Typically, human coronaviruses cause mild-to-moderate respiratory illness. Symptoms are very similar to the flu, including:
- Fever
- Cough
- Shortness of breath
- In some cases, COVID-19 can cause more severe respiratory illness.
How is COVID-19 diagnosed?
Health care providers will assess patients, and if COVID-19 is a possible diagnosis, they will do further testing. At this time, the only laboratory testing for COVID-19 is being done at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's laboratory. If a patient is suspected to be infected with novel coronavirus, public health agencies will work with health care providers to ensure CDC testing can be completed.
People who think they may have been exposed to COVID-19 should contact their health care provider immediately.
