Courtesy of San Benito High School:
In the wake of San Benito County Public Health Services’ Feb. 2 announcement confirming cases of the Novel Coronavirus in a 57-year-old husband and wife in San Benito County, San Benito High School Nurse Tess Smith and local health officials remind students and families that there are no additional precautions to be taken at this time beyond simply good hand washing, covering your mouth, and asking others to to so if coughing or sneezing.
It is recommended that people call their doctor if they are running a high fever. County health officials note that anyone with respiratory symptoms, such as a cough, sore throat, or fever, should stay home, practice proper cough etiquette and hand hygiene, and limit their contact with other people, a statement from the county noted.
The symptoms of the Coronavirus are very similar to the flu, including high fever, cough, congestion and/or shortness of breath. Older adults and those with underlying health issues are at increased risk for a serious case. Flu activity continues to remain high this season, so it is recommended to get a flu shot to protect yourself and others.
The locals confirmed to have contracted the Coronavirus are husband and wife and both 57 years old. The husband had recently traveled from Wuhan, China. They were provided guidance on home isolation and on Sunday were admitted to a hospital outside of San Benito County for further care.
The recommended guidelines at this time:
– If you have not been to China or been in close contact with someone who has been to China and is sick, your risk to contract the Coronavirus is very low.
CDC guidance indicates that people who have casual contact with a case (in the same grocery store or movie theater) are a minimal risk of developing the infection.
If you have recently been to China and feel sick:
– Stay home and avoid contact with others
– Contact your doctor’s office or local emergency room and tell them about your recent travels and symptoms.
The San Benito Public Health Services is working with Bay Area health officials and health care providers to monitor the situation closely. This is an ongoing situation and updated information will be provided as it becomes available.
