Novel Coronavirus 2019-nCoV

We know that people in our region are concerned about Novel Coronavirus 2019-nCoV, and the illness now known officially as COVID-19. While the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the New Hampshire Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) are closely monitoring this outbreak of respiratory illness, there are still no identified cases of COVID-19 in NH or VT.

Chinese authorities identified the new coronavirus, which has spread beyond Hubei Province, and cases have been identified in a growing number of other international locations, including the United States. There are ongoing investigations to learn more.

What is 2019-nCoV?

2019 Novel Coronavirus (2019-nCoV) is a virus (more specifically, a coronavirus) identified as the cause of an outbreak of respiratory illness first detected in Wuhan, China but which is spreading worldwide and is now known as COVID-19.

Early on, many of the patients in the outbreak in Wuhan, China reportedly had some link to a large seafood and animal market, suggesting animal-to-person spread.

However, a growing number of patients reportedly have not had exposure to animal markets, indicating person-to-person spread is occurring.

At this time, it is unclear how easily or sustainably this virus is spreading between people. The latest situation summary updates are available on CDC’s web page 2019 Novel Coronavirus, Wuhan, China.

What are the symptoms?

CDC believes at this time that symptoms of 2019-nCoV may appear in as few as two days or as long as 14 after exposure. Symptoms can include:

• Fever
• Cough
• Shortness of breath

How is it transmitted?

Person-to-person transmission is thought to occur when respiratory droplets from an infected persons (via cough or sneeze) is inhaled into the lungs of a nearby person. It’s not currently known if a person can get the virus from touching an object or surface that has the virus on it.

Investigations are still ongoing about the transmissibility, severity, and other features associated with this virus.

What to do?

If you are experiencing a medical emergency, call 911.

If you have recently traveled to or from China, and are experiencing respiratory symptoms including cough and a fever, immediately call DHHS at:

• (603) 271-4496
• After regular business hours, call (603) 271-5300

If you’re looking for more current information about the ongoing outbreak of 2019-nCoV, consult the National Centers for Disease Control and New Hampshire DHHS web sites.