WDH Says Coronavirus Outbreak Unlikely

Officials with the Wyoming Department of Health have issued a news release that says the risk of an ongoing outbreak of the 2019 novel coronavirus causing international concern remains low in Wyoming. State Health Officer Alexia Harrist said that there have been no reported or suspected cases identified. Harrist continued that they will nevertheless remain vigilant in tracking the developments of the disease and keep the public appraised. 

The coronavirus was first identified in China with a link to a local seafood and animal market. The connection of early patients and the market suggest the illness can spread from animal to person, in addition to person to person. Symptoms have included mild to severe respiratory illness with fever, cough, and shortness of breath.

Although the sickness has been reported in several countries including the United States, Harrist said the number of cases in the U.S. have been low and so far has only involved people who traveled to the affected areas of China or who came in very close contact with someone who became ill after traveling there. Strong travel restrictions have been enacted to detect and contain the virus to help prevent the ongoing spread in this country. The Department of Health reported that many of the same actions one would take to avoid spreading influenza can help prevent the spread of coronavirus as well.