The Wisconsin Department of Health Services (DHS), the local health department, UW Hospital and Clinics, and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) have confirmed the first Wisconsin case of 2019 novel coronavirus. The Coronavirus patient is an adult with a history of travel to Beijing, China, prior to their illness.
While the risk to the general public remains low, DHS, the local health department, UW Hospital and Clinics, and the CDC are aggressively responding and monitoring this unfolding situation. We are working together to prevent disease transmission by evaluating close contacts of the patient and health care personnel who cared for the patient. Be aware that this is a rapidly changing situation, and public health advice may change as more information becomes available.
To help prevent the virus from spreading, local health department staff are contacting people who may have been exposed to the patient. Exposed individuals will be evaluated for illness and will be actively monitored for signs and symptoms of illness, like fever, cough, and difficulty breathing. Symptoms may appear anywhere from two to 14 days after someone is exposed to the virus, and may range from a mild illness (like a common cold) to severe pneumonia requiring hospitalization. At this time close contacts are quarantined and being actively monitored for symptoms. Exposed individuals who are ill will be assessed by their health care provider, tested for 2019 novel coronavirus, and isolated (usually at home, if not hospitalized) until they are no longer able to spread the disease.
We are encouraging travelers returning from China or people who become ill and had contact with a patient with a confirmed case to let their health care providers know of their possible exposure before arriving at the health care facility.
Influenza and other seasonal respiratory viruses are common in Wisconsin at this time of year. The public should continue to use preventive measures for the common cold and flu: wash hands frequently, cover coughs and sneezes, and stay home when you are sick.
Current case counts, and number of patients under investigation can be found on the DHS Outbreaks and Investigations webpage, which will be updated on weekdays by 2 p.m. Additional information can also be found on the CDC summary webpage.
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