Edited by: TJVNews.com
The first person in New York City has been identified for the Coronavirus, which has emanated from China.
A woman, who is believed to be under the age of 40, and has recently traveled to China has been hospitalized at NYC Health + Hospital/Bellevue and is in stable condition, according to a VIN report. Testing to determine whether this is a confirmed case of the Coronavirus will take a minimum of 36-48 hours and depends on CDC testing capacity.
She was brought to the hospital by EMS workers after it was reported that she was suffering from symptoms that mirrored those of the flu.
According to a WPIX report, physicians conducted a rapid test that ruled out 26 common illnesses. Because of her travel, she was placed in a suspected Coronavirus protocol.
“An individual with a travel history to China felt unwell and sought help from a medical provider who promptly contacted the Health Department. This is exactly what we prepared for and we thank everyone for taking all the right steps,” said Health Commissioner Dr. Oxiris Barbot. “Reports of the first person being tested in New York City demonstrate that the system is working as intended.”
“The patient is in stable condition and is receiving care in the appropriate level of infection control,” she added.
The Health Commissioner said that the suspected patient did not have a lot of contact with others and does not have family here in New York City, as was reported by WPIX.
There are now eight confirmed cases in the United States and over 12,000 worldwide. At least 259 people have died.
Samples are now being sent to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention in Atlanta, Georgia. It can take 36 to 48 hours to get the results, according to the WPIX report.
“We clearly have the capacity here,” said Barbot. “I know the CDC has its hands full and it would actually help the CDC to authorize New York City to do this testing.”
Mayor DeBlasio has said that anyone who has traveled to China and is feeling sick should immediately go to the nearest medical facility. “The most important thing is you don’t infect anyone else.”
For those who feel sick with fever, cough, or difficulty breathing, and traveled to Hubei province China—or been in contact with a confirmed case nCoV— within 14 days of symptom onset, the CDC recommends:
1–Seek medical care right away. Before going to a doctor’s office or emergency room, call ahead and tell them about recent travel and symptoms.
2–Avoid contact with others.
3- Do not travel while sick.
4–Cover mouth and nose with a tissue or your sleeve (not hands) when coughing or sneezing.
5- Wash hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. Use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer if soap and water are not available.
