King County has its first cases of novel coronavirus, and more cases have been identified in the U.S. The vast majority of the illnesses around the world are mild, with fever and cough. A much smaller percentage of cases are severe and involve pneumonia, particularly in elderly people and people with underlying medical conditions. It’s important that everyone take steps to reduce the spread of novel coronavirus.
- Prepare now: Public Health — Seattle & King County recommends that organizations and individuals prepare now in order to reduce the number of illnesses and negative effects that could occur in our community.
- Travel and illness: People who are traveling should be aware of the impacted countries, and if they become ill after traveling, call a doctor or hospital.
- Discrimination based on ethnicity or ancestry will make the situation worse. Having Chinese ancestry – or any other ancestry – does not make a person more vulnerable to this illness. Coronavirus doesn’t recognize race, nationality nor ethnicity.
- Additional updates are available from Public Health — Seattle & King County, federal CDC and Washington State Department of Health.