Update on Novel Coronavirus (2019-nCoV)

An outbreak of respiratory illness caused by a novel, or new coronavirus (2019 Novel Coronavirus, or 2019-nCoV ) has been identified.

The illness was first detected in Wuhan, Hubei Province, China but has since spread to other countries.

• To track global cases, visit the World Health Organization’s 2019-nCoV website.
• To track number of U.S. persons Under Investigation for 2019-nCoV, visit CDC’s website at CDC Coronavirus 2019 Cases in US.

The risk to the general public in North Carolina is LOW at this time.

• To date there have been no confirmed cases in North Carolina.
• There are no direct flights to and from China anywhere in North Carolina.
• Visit the NC Division of Public Health’s 2019-nCoV website to track potential cases of the new virus in North Carolina.
• Visit the Center’s for Disease Control, Coronavirus website for more information on the travel advisory issued by the U.S. Department of State.

Mecklenburg County Public Health (MCPH) is working to protect your health.

MCPH, along with the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, health care providers and other community partners (i.e. Charlotte Douglas International Airport and the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Emergency Management Office) are closely monitoring the outbreak.

MCPH recommends the public take the following steps to prevent the spread of ALL respiratory illnesses.

• Washing hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. Use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer if soap and water are not available.
• Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue or your sleeve (not your hands) when coughing or sneezing.
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth with unwashed hands.
• Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
• Stay home when you are sick.
• Get a flu shot, it’s not too late. During this time of year, respiratory illnesses in North Carolina are most likely due to infection with influenza or viruses that cause the common cold.

At this time, the CDC has identified specific criteria to identify individuals who are at increased risk of infection.

• If you have traveled to China and feel sick with fever, cough or difficulty breathing within 14 days of returning, you should seek medical care right away. Before you go to a doctor’s office or emergency room, call ahead and tell them about your recent travel and your symptoms so appropriate steps can be taken to avoid exposing others.
• If you have had close contact with someone showing fever, cough, or difficulty breathing who has recently traveled from China or is suspected to have Novel CoronaVirus, you should call ahead to a healthcare professional and mention your close contact and their recent travel.
• Your healthcare professional will work with your local and state’s public health department and the CDC to determine if you need to be tested for 2019-nCoV.

Healthcare providers should immediately contact MCPH Communicable Disease On-Call number if any individual meets or potentially meets criteria for nCV testing and/or for questions about testing, current guidelines, public health messaging, and any other concerns