Public Health Notice - Coronavirus (2019-nCoV)

Update regarding the Novel (new) Coronavirus (2019-nCoV) from the Ewing Township Health Department

The outbreak of a novel (new) corona virus in Wuhan, Hubei Province, China is being monitored by health officials worldwide. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the NJ Department of Health are closely monitoring an outbreak of respiratory illness caused by the virus.  They have information regarding the virus and updates are published as new information is available.  The Ewing Township Health Department is working to coordinate public health disease response in partnership with the New Jersey Department of Health, the CDC, local hospitals, medical providers, and emergency medical services.   As of February 3, 2020, eleven (11) people have tested positive for the disease (none in New Jersey). 

Please check the websites below regularly for updates on this outbreak.

2019 Novel Coronavirus from the CDC
What you need to know, information for Travelers, and more. 

2019 Novel Coronavirus (2019-nCoV) in the U.S.
Provides regular updates about the spread of the virus in the U.S. each weekday.

2019-nCoV (Novel Coronavirus, Wuhan, China) 
NJ Department of Health updates about the Novel Coronavirus. 

The NJ Department of Health has also provided the following information:

About the 2019 Coronavirus (2019-nCoV)

The 2019 novel coronavirus (2019-nCoV) is a new virus that causes respiratory illness in people and can spread from person-to-person. This virus was first identified during an investigation into an outbreak in Wuhan, China.

Can people in the US get the 2019-nCoV?

The 2019-nCoV is spreading from person-to-person in China and limited spread among close contacts has been detected in some countries outside China, including the United States. At this time, however, this virus is NOT currently spreading in communities in the United States. Right now, the greatest risk of infection is for people in China or people who have traveled to China. Risk of infection is dependent on exposure. Close contacts of people who are infected are at greater risk of exposure, for example health care workers and close contacts of people who are infected with 2019-nCoV. The CDC continues to closely monitor the situation.

Symptoms

Since it is cold and flu season, you may experience similar symptoms to the coronavirus.  Patients with 2019-nCoV have reportedly had mild to severe respiratory illness with symptoms of:

Severe complications include pneumonia in both lungs.

Preventative measures:

Is there a vaccine?

There is currently no vaccine to protect against 2019-nCoV. The best way to prevent infection is to avoid being exposed to this virus.

Stay Informed

Continue to monitor the CDC website for up to date information and recommendations regarding this outbreak. The Ewing Township Health Department can be reached at 609-883-2900 x7691 for additional information.  If there are immediate public health concerns outside of M-F, 9 am-5pm, the non-emergency Police line can be reached at (609)882-1313.  

The New Jersey Department of Health has a 24/7 hotline for the public to ask questions about the 2019 Novel Coronavirus- 1-800-222-1222. 

We recommend that you follow the everyday health habits above to help prevent the spread of the virus.