MORE: Ohio health officials on alert preparing for coronavirus
The national death toll rose to 14 Friday, and several states, including Indiana, announced the first case of coronavirus. The person was identified Friday as an adult who had traveled to Boston recently and had been at an event where other people have also tested positive, according to the Indiana State Department of Health, which said this case does not pose a risk to any other Hoosiers.
China, the worst-hit nation, reported 143 new cases and 30 new deaths Friday, far lower than a few weeks ago.
It’s hard to travel anywhere and not see signs urging the public to take preventative measures. The Ohio Department of Health suggests: wash hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds; dry hands with a clean towel or use an air dryer; stay home when you’re sick; avoid contact with people who are sick; cover your mouth with a tissue or sleeve when soughing or sneezing; avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth with unwashed hands; and clean and disinfect high-touch surfaces frequently.
Hand hygiene is especially important because of the “significant period of time” the virus can be transferred though contact at public places, said Dr. Roberto Colon, associate chief medical officer at Miami Valley Hospital and vice president of quality for Premier Health.
He said while it’s unclear how long this coronavirus can be active, he said other forms of the virus have had a nine-day life.
Jackie Phillips, City of Middletown Health Commissioner, reminded people of the Three Cs: Cover your cough and sneezes, Cleanliness (wash your hands) and Contain yourself (if you’re sick, stay at home).
Hamilton’s Health Commissioner Kay Farrar hosted a Facebook live Friday afternoon and addressed questions regarding the coronavirus. She said the virus has been around for years, but this is the first time it has been passed from animals to humans.
MORE: Official: ‘A lot of concern’ remains about coronavirus after Butler County negative tests
Because of that, the virus is “new to us” and our bodies have “no recognition” of it, she said.
She called the coronavirus “a big public health concern” because there are “a lot of unknowns.”
There are no vaccines for the virus, though Farrar said three manufacturers are working on creating a vaccine, a process expected to take 12 to 18 months.
Colon said there are numerous vaccines in various stages of development.
There have been no reported cases of the virus in Ohio.
When asked why Ohio hasn’t reported any cases, Colon said some of it may be “luck,” but more than that, it’s probably because the state isn’t the first place international travelers land.
In late January, there was a scare around the Miami University campus when two students returned to Oxford from winter break and reported flu-like symptoms after traveling to China. Several days later, after those students were tested, the Centers for Disease Control announced the tests were negative.
As high school and college basketball tournaments continue, and with high traffic summer events scheduled, Farrar there is “no reason” to avoid attending.
Since the elderly are some of the most prone to the virus, Farrar said she has heard a few nursing homes in Butler County are restricting visitors and she wouldn’t be surprised if more “move in that direction.”
Schools in China have closed for the rest of March, and Farrar said a meeting is set for next week to discuss additional steps needed in the county.
The Health Departments of Butler County — Butler County, City of Hamilton and City of Middletown — and the Butler County Emergency Management Agency are hosting a Community Partner Update concerning the novel coronavirus from 1-3 p.m. March 13 at the Government Services Center, 315 High St., Hamilton.
This update is intended for state, local and county officials, county and city agencies, law enforcement, fire, EMS, hospitals, school representatives, and others who have shown an interest in response and planning efforts related to the novel coronavirus.
For more information on the coronavirus, called 1-833-4-ASK-ODH. The call center is open seven days a week from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m.
What is COVID-19?
The virus at the center of the outbreak, COVID-19, is part of a large family of different coronaviruses that may cause mild to severe respiratory illnesses. Many people have had some type of coronavirus in their life, such as common cold.
Ohio Department of Health Director Dr. Amy Acton said COVID-19 symptoms, which generally appear two to 14 days after exposure, include fever, cough, and difficulty breathing.
Most people who become sick do not require hospitalization, but older adults, people with chronic health conditions, and people with compromised immune systems are more likely to require more advanced care.
As of Friday afternoon there were 100,647 confirmed cases, with 80,573 in mainland China. There were 236 people confirmed to sick with the virus in the U.S.
There have been 3,411 deaths and 55,753 people have recovered.
How to prevent COVID-19 and other illnesses
The risk remains low in Ohio, with no confirmed cases found in the state. In general, good prevention measures are also the same steps that should be taken to reduce the risk of getting many other common illnesses such as the flu, which has already hospitalized more than 8,500 Ohioans this season, such as:
- Stay home when you are sick
- Avoid contact with people who are sick
- Eat well balanced meals and get adequate sleep
- Wash hands often with water and soap for 20 seconds or longer
- Dry hands with a clean towel or air dry hands
- Cover your mouth with a tissue or sleeve when coughing or sneezing
- Avoid touching your eyes, nose, or mouth with unwashed hands or after touching surfaces
- Clean and disinfect "high touch" surfaces often, such as door handles
- Call before seeing your doctor
Experts said the flu shot is a good match this season and it could also help prevent people from getting an illness with symptoms that could be confused with COVID-19.
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