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Two Confirmed Cases of Novel Coronavirus in California

SACRAMENTO – The California Department of Public Health (CDPH) has been informed that one individual in Los Angeles County and one individual in Orange County have tested positive for novel coronavirus 2019 (nCoV-2019). This information is confirmed by the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health (LADPH), the Orange County Health Care Agency (OCHCA), and the U. S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

“The California Department of Public Health has been preparing for this situation by working closely with local health departments and health care providers,” said Dr. Sonia Angell, CDPH Director and State Health Officer. “We are supporting ongoing efforts by the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health and the Orange County Health Care Agency to respond to these cases, and will continue working with our partners to monitor for any additional cases that may occur in California, to ensure that persons can be safely and effectively evaluated for this novel virus, and to protect the health of the people of California.” 

At this time, no other persons infected with nCoV-2019 have been identified in California. Currently, the immediate health risk from nCoV 2019 to the general public is low.

It is very important for persons who have recently traveled and who become ill to notify their health care provider of their travel history. Persons who have recently traveled to Wuhan, China, or who have had contact with a person with possible novel coronavirus infection should contact their local health department or health care provider. 

CDPH has been prepared and is continuing with the following actions:

·       Providing information about the outbreak and how to report suspect cases to local health departments and health care providers in California.

·       Coordinating with CDC personnel who are doing screening of travelers from Wuhan, China at SFO and LAX airports.

·       Assuring that health care providers know how to safely manage persons with possible nCoV-2019 infection.

·       Supporting hospitals and local public health laboratories for collection and shipment of specimens for testing at CDC for nCoV-2019.

·       Activating CDPH’s Emergency Operations Center to coordinate response efforts across the state.

The nCoV-2019 outbreak in China continues to evolve and California is prepared for more cases that may arise. CDPH considers this a very important public health event: we are closely monitoring the situation and providing updates to partners across the state to support their preparedness efforts.

As with any virus, especially during the flu season, CDPH reminds you there are a number of steps you can take to protect your health and those around you:

·       Washing hands with soap and water.

·       Avoiding touching eyes, nose or mouth with unwashed hands.

·       Avoiding close contact with people who are sick are all ways to reduce the risk of infection with a number of different viruses.

·       If someone does become sick with respiratory symptoms like fever and cough, they should stay away from work, school or other people to avoid spreading illness.

CDPH will not be providing additional information about the patients beyond what is being shared by the LADPH and OCHCA

For more information about nCov-2019, please visit the CDPH website.