Tests of two New Hampshire people who had traveled to Wuhan City and then became sick showed they do not have the novel coronavirus that has raised concern around the world, state officials have announced.
The New Hampshire Division of Public Health Services had quarantined two people because they showed flu-like symptoms after returning from Wuhan City, China, but they said Thursday that the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has confirmed that all tests were negative. Both patients have fully recovered.
“We have not yet identified any individuals infected with this novel coronavirus in New Hampshire, but we continue to work closely with healthcare providers and the CDC to protect the health of our communities,” said New Hampshire State Epidemiologist Dr. Benjamin Chan. “Rapid identification and testing of individuals is critical in preventing the spread of this novel coronavirus…. The risk to our communities remains low.”
More than 7,000 cases of novel coronavirus have been identified in more than 15 countries. Five cases have been confirmed in the U.S., none closer than Illinois.
The state Department of Health and Human Services has asked New Hampshire healthcare providers to alert DPHS if they identify patients with travel to Hubei Province, China, who become ill with fever or respiratory symptoms within 14 days of travel.
While details are still being learned about how easily this novel coronavirus is spread, most coronavirus of this type are transmitted through the spread of respiratory droplets. People can take precautions similar to those taken during flu season to prevent the spread of illness: frequent handwashing with soap and water, avoiding close contact with sick people, staying home if you are sick, covering your nose and mouth when sneezing or coughing, and cleaning and disinfecting surfaces and objects that may be contaminated with germs.
Reported symptoms of illness have primarily included fever, cough, and difficulty breathing. There are no vaccines available for the disease.
CDC now recommends avoiding all nonessential travel to China.
Residents who have recently traveled to Hubei Province, China and are feeling sick should call their health care provider and let them know of their travel and symptoms before presenting to a provider office.
For more information on the coronavirus, visit dhhs.nh.gov/dphs/cdcs/2019-ncov.htm.