US: Fifth case of Coronavirus confirmed, FL: face masks in low supply

The fourth and fifth cases of the coronavirus in the United States were confirmed on the west coast of the country, health officials said Sunday.

The fourth case involves an infected person who returned from Wuhan, China, according to the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health. The first case of the virus in California, was confirmed Saturday.

“The infected person presented themselves for care once they noticed that they were not feeling well and is currently receiving medical treatment,” the Orange County California public health department said in a statement.

The patient went for treatment when the person began feeling ill and was at a local hospital, department director Barbara Ferrer told KABC. Because novel coronavirus is new, we are learning more each day about transmission patterns and incubation periods. We will keep everyone informed as more information becomes available. The risk of transmission of coronavirus in LA County remains low."

Later Sunday, health officials confirmed a fifth case in Maricopa County, Arizona.

The patient is a member of the Arizona State University community, but does not live in campus housing, KNXV reported. The patient had recently returned from traveling in Wuhan, China.

Meanwhile, three students at the University of Washington in Seattle are being screened for the disease.

All three recently visited Wuhan, China, and all seem to be doing well and have not been hospitalized.

Two of the students have been moved into isolated housing at the University, the third lives off campus.

The Florida Department of Health states that they are working closely with the Centers for Disease Control to monitor the virus which usually cause mild to moderate upper-respiratory tract illnesses, like the common cold.

Symptoms can include: 

• Fever
• Cough
• Shortness of breath

The CDC believes at this time that symptoms of 2019-nCoV may appear in as few as 2 days or as long as 14 after exposure, reported illnesses have ranged from infected people with little to no symptoms to people being severely ill and dying.

The virus is believed to be spread from an infected person through

• the air by coughing and sneezing
• close personal contact, such as touching or shaking hands
• touching an object or surface with the virus on it, then touching your mouth, nose, or eyes before washing your hands
• rarely, fecal contamination

Doctors from the CDC says the risk to Americans is low at this time, but recommend getting vaccinated for the flu and taking the following steps for prevention.

• Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. If soap and water are not available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer.
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands.
• Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
• Stay home when you are sick.
• Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then throw the tissue in the trash.
• Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces.

News 96.5 WDBO reporter Brandon Hogan checked with several local drugstores and found many were low on disposable face masks.

Experts say the masks can be helpful in preventing the spread of the virus - if worn properly - but noted there is no need to wear a mask in the U.S. right now.

Stores managers say more shipments of the masks are expected to arrive this week.