The Arizona Department of Health Services and the Maricopa County Department of Public Health announced today that a Maricopa County resident has been diagnosed with the 2019 Novel Coronavirus. The confirmed case is in a person who recently returned from travel to Wuhan, China. 

The patient is a member of the Arizona State University community who live in Tempe, but not in university housing. The person is not severely ill and is currently in isolation to keep the illness from spreading.

The MCDPH and the ADHS are currently investigating to identify any close contacts that may have been exposed while the person was infectious. Any individuals who have been identified as having been exposed will be contacted directly. These individuals will be monitored for fever and respiratory symptoms in collaboration with public health and the university. 

The 2019 Novel Coronavirus spreads through the air when an infected person coughs or sneezes. Symptoms are thought to appear within two to 14 days after exposure and consist of fever, cough, runny nose, and difficulty breathing.

Those considered at risk for contracting the virus are individuals with travel to Wuhan, China, or individuals in close contact with a person infected with the 2019 Novel Coronavirus.

Currently, no commercial testing is available and there is no vaccine. Public health is working with those exposed to get testing by CDC.

“While the immediate risk of the 2019 Novel Coronavirus to the general public is believed to be low at this time, ADHS and our county public health partners will continue to actively monitor for the disease,” said Dr. Cara Christ, ADHS director. “There are simple daily precautions that everyone should always take to prevent the spread of diseases.”

Public health officials are advising residents that flu and other respiratory diseases are circulating in the community, and are recommending everyone get a flu shot and follow basic prevention guidelines. The best ways to prevent the spread of respiratory viruses are to:

• 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 immediately throw the tissue in the trash.
• Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces.

If you have recently traveled to Wuhan, China and have developed fever with cough or shortness of breath within 14 days of your travel, or have had contact with someone who is suspected to have 2019 Novel Coronavirus, stay home and call your healthcare provider right away.

If you do not have a health care provider, you may need to be seen at your local hospital emergency room/urgent care center. Please call the emergency room/urgent care center to get instructions before going in.

For the latest information about 2019 Novel Coronavirus, visit the website at azhealth.gov/coronavirus.

“If this becomes a true pandemic, most people don’t realize how this can truly impact their lives,” said Brandon Eriksson, spokesperson for ReadyWise Emergency Food Storage. “Travel bans are put in place, public gatherings are halted, and in extreme circumstances, the ability to get even the bare essentials can be impossible. This is why we are so passionate and driven to help people be prepared in case of an emergency like this.” 

According to the CDC, “more cases are likely to be identified in the coming days, including more cases in the United States. Given what has occurred previously with MERS and SARS, it’s likely that person-to-person spread will continue to occur. It would not be surprising if person-to-person spread in the United States were to occur. Cases in healthcare settings, like hospitals may also occur.” 

FEMA recommends having at least a two weeks supply of food and water and to have an emergency plan in place. During a pandemic, they advise avoiding close contact with anyone who is sick, to keep your distance from others if you become sick, cover your mouth and nose when coughing or sneezing, wash your hands often, avoid touching your eyes, mouth or nose, and practice good health habits. 

“We believe FEMA recommends the minimum amount of food and water to get by, but we want to provide people with peace-of-mind, that is why we recommend no less than a month’s worth of food and water," Mr. Eriksson stated. "We also believe it is important to have a back-up generator, fuel supply, medical kit (including a month’s worth of any medication you are taking), and the essentials to provide warmth and shelter.” 

According to FEMA, nearly 60% of Americans are not prepared for a disaster or crisis.

“We have been in business for over 10 years helping people to be prepared and we have estimated that less than 10% of households have enough food and water to last them more than 3 days," Mr. Eriksson stated. "This is very concerning to us, and me personally, and we have been working diligently to help people be prepared when events like this occur.”

Editor's Note: Information from press releases from the Arizona Department of Health Services and ReadyWise.