Cole County Health Department monitors coronavirus threat

JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. (KMIZ)

Though officials have not confirmed any cases of a deadly new coronavirus in Missouri, the Cole County Health Department says it is working with state and federal agencies to stay updated on the virus' spread.

"Cole County Health Department is working with the Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services and with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) to keep our community up-to-date on this ongoing investigation," the department said in a press release Monday. "Jefferson City and Cole County response agencies are taking this time to discuss emergency response preparedness, as they do multiple times every year, to ensure the safety of our community."

The World Health Organization had confirmed 11 cases Monday of the new coronavirus in the United States since its discovery in December. The virus originated in China and is commonly associated with Wuhan, a city in that country.

The Cole County Health Department said residents should take the same precautions recommended this time every year:

• Wash your hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. Use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer if soap and water are not available.
• 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 and wash your hands.
• Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces.

The department also recommends calling ahead to the clinic before arriving under any of the following circumstances:

• If you have traveled to mainland China or have had close contact with a laboratory-confirmed case of the virus within the past two weeks,
• If you develop a fever, or
• If you develop a cough or have difficulty breathing.

County health officials said the more immediate concern in Mid-Missouri is the spread of the influenza virus.

A recent Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services report said officials have confirmed 27,072 laboratory-positive influenza cases and 16 influenza-associated deaths in Missouri this season.

"In addition to the everyday habits listed above, the CDC recommends the influenza vaccine to all who have not received it this season," said the department.