Oneida County Educates Public on 2019 Novel Coronavirus

No Local Cases Detected; Risk of Spreading through U.S. Low

While there have been some cases of the 2019 Novel Coronavirus reported in the U.S., there have been none detected in Oneida County, and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention says the risk of it spreading throughout the country is low.

“With a steady dose of reports on the Coronavirus bombarding the public on a daily basis, there is bound to be an element of misinformation,” said Oneida County Executive Anthony J. Picente Jr. “There is no threat of the Coronavirus in Oneida County at this time and the risk of it spreading throughout the U.S. is very low. Our Health Department is staying on top of the situation and is committed to providing our residents with the most accurate up-to-date information on the situation.”

There is not a lot known about the 2019 Novel Coronavirus at this time, but the CDC is closely monitoring this respiratory illness that was initially identified in Wuhan, China. Oneida County routinely performs communicable disease surveillance and is working with the New York State Department of Health.

“This is an emerging, rapidly evolving situation and we are still learning about many aspects,” said Phyllis D. Ellis BSN, MS, FACHE, Director of Health of Oneida County. “We will be prepared for any situation should it arise.”

The symptoms of 2019 Novel Coronavirus can mimic the flu and the common cold which are highly active at this time. The CDC has provided a factsheet for reference. You can find it at https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/downloads/2019-ncov-factsheet.pdf.

The risk of contracting this virus is dependent on exposure. For the general American public, who are unlikely to be exposed to this virus. Everyone is recommended to continue taking preventative measures that help protect them from all infections such as:

• Wash hands with soap for at least 20 seconds – sanitizer containing at least 60% alcohol if soap and water are not available.
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth.

• Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
• Stay home if sick.
• Cover cough or sneeze with tissue then dispose of tissue in trash.
• Clean and disinfect objects and surfaces.
• It’s currently flu season. It’s not too late to get vaccinated.

The Oneida County Health Department is working closely with all area health care providers on the most current, up-to-date guidance available.

If you have any questions or concerns, you can contact your health care provider, especially if you have recently traveled to China.