Ohio tests for possible novel coronavirus case

The Ohio Department of Health is monitoring a possible case of the novel coronavirus that’s part of the outbreak.

Samples have been sent to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention for testing and results are expected in the coming days, according to the ODH. The state is not releasing any additional personal information at this time about the person whose potential case is under investigation, including where they are in Ohio.

The risk to Ohioans from the respiratory virus remains low — no cases have been found in Ohio — but the state has taken proactive steps to remain prepared, including requiring suspected cases to be immediately reported.

“This is part of public health’s ever-present work to balance public interest with the privacy rights of our individual citizens,” said Dr. Amy Acton, Ohio Department of Health director. “We are committed to ensuring they receive proper, compassionate care and to preventing any possible spread of infectious disease.”

The virus, 2019-nCoV, is part of a large family of different coronaviruses. These viruses may cause mild to severe respiratory illnesses with symptoms of fever, cough, and shortness of breath.

Sometimes a novel — or a new type — of coronavirus starts to circulate among people. This happened with severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS) in 2003 and Middle East respiratory syndrome (MERS) in 2014, and now 2019-nCoV, which started spreading in December.

For those with confirmed 2019-nCoV infections, some people have had little to no symptoms while other people have become severely ill.

The World Health Organization reported 24,554 confirmed cases as of Feb. 5 — with 24,363 of those cases in China — and 492 deaths.

“Ohioans are known for treating one another, as well as visitors, with acceptance, respect and understanding,” Acton said. “Whether someone is ill or well, a traveler or not, they deserve to be afforded the same kindness. Please keep this in mind as we learn more about 2019 novel coronavirus.”

Starting on Thursday, Ohio Department of Health will post the number of any confirmed Ohio cases and persons under investigation on its website by 2 p.m. The website will update whether persons under investigation have tested positive or negative for the coronavirus on the website on Tuesdays and Thursdays.