First U.S. case of new coronavirus found in Everett

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The first U.S. case of the Wuhan coronavirus, which had killed close to 80 people by press time, was diagnosed last week in a Snohomish Clinic according to the Washington State Department of Health.

The cause of the virus and its effects are currently unknown as it was only first identified last month in Wuhan, China. Over 3,000 cases of the virus have been identified worldwide, the majority of them in China.

In the U.S., 110 people are being evaluated for the infection according to the Centers for Disease Control. Of those cases five have been affirmatively diagnosed and 32 have been ruled out.

The name coronavirus refers to a family of viruses. These viruses can cause symptoms ranging from the common cold-like to more severe cases like pneumonia according to the World Health Organization.

The virus is being compared to another in the same family called SARS which can cause pneumonia and other issues like kidney failure. 

The U.S. patient from Everett is a currently unnamed man in his 30s who flew into SeaTac airport Jan. 15 from China, days before airports began to require health screenings. He sought medical treatment four days after he arrived in the U.S. and is currently in isolation at the Providence Regional Medical Center in Everett.

“Based on what we know now, risk to the general public is low,” Governor Jay Inslee said Jan. 21 in a press conference. “We take this very seriously and, while this is the first case in the U.S., there will likely be others. Washington state will continue to work to share information and help however we can.”

Health officials have been working to trace the patient’s steps since he arrived in the U.S. and find anyone who may have also been infected. They are currently monitoring 64 identified cases of close contact according to their website.

The virus can be spread through human to human contact much like the flu and common cold. Symptoms include a runny nose, headache, cough, sore throat and fever.

The Department of Health is directing those who have questions or concerns to call 1-800-525-0127 and press #.