LOVELAND MAGAZINE

News and Events from the Loveland, Ohio Area

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Since 2004

Tag: 2019-nCoV

  • Possible Cases of Coronavirus in Butler County at Miami University

    Possible Cases of Coronavirus in Butler County at Miami University

    Up-date from the Butler County General Health District on January 30, 2020, 3:20 PM:

    In Ohio, two possible cases are being monitored in Miami University students in Butler County. The students have been isolated, and ODH is awaiting test results from the CDC. There are no confirmed cases in Ohio.  Both possible cases had recently traveled and returned from China. Both possible cases are not severely ill and currently in isolation to keep the illness from spreading. Samples were sent to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) Monday January 27th, 2020 .

    Oxford, Ohio – Earlier today, Miami University Student Health Services notified the Butler County General Health District (BCGHD) of two possible cases of the novel coronavirus (2019-nCoV).

    Both possible cases had recently traveled and returned from China. Both possible cases are not severely ill and currently in isolation to keep the illness from spreading.

    Samples were sent to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) Monday afternoon.

    BCGHD recommends that unless you have recently traveled from China or have been around someone ill with this new virus, your risk of getting sick is low. “If you have traveled from China and are, experiencing signs and symptoms contact your doctor BEFORE going to the office.”

    Miami students, who meet this criteria, and are experiencing signs or symptoms contact Student Health Services at 513-529-3000 before seeking care according to BCGHD.

    Public health officials have described the immediate health risk to the campus community as low and say they continue to work closely with Miami University Student Health Services and the Ohio Department of Health to monitor the novel (new) coronavirus that has emerged from Wuhan, China, over the past few weeks.

    “This is what public health does and why we train,” expressed Jennifer Bailer. “Our staff, officials at Miami University and the Ohio Department of Health are taking every precaution to keep the community safe. The same precautions that protect against catching and spreading the flu are likely to be helpful for this respiratory virus: Wash your hands regularly, avoid touching your nose and eyes, cover your mouth when you cough and sneeze and don’t go to work if ill. Displaying compassion to all people will be vital as the situation evolves.” This is a rapidly evolving situation and information will be updated as it becomes available. Guidance on the virus is available on the Centers for Disease Control website, www.cdc.gov.

    Message to the Community from the Vice President of Student Life

    January 28, 2020

    On Monday morning, one student at Miami University presented at Student Health Services with very mild symptoms, and with their recent travel, met the criteria and are being tested for possible infection with the 2019 Novel Coronavirus (2019-nCoV). Health providers quickly recognized that the presenting patient met the criteria for 2019-Coronavirus testing; results should be back from the CDC in the coming days. This student and his traveling companion are isolated in their off-campus residence while awaiting the test results. Miami and healthcare professionals continue to communicate and collaborate daily with the Butler County Health District and the Ohio Department of Health and are following their recommendations and protocols. We will share information with the community as it becomes available.

    We are assisting and supporting these Miami students who are awaiting test results. We continue to work closely with local and state healthcare professionals and the Butler County Health District and Ohio Department of Health. If you are experiencing symptoms and have traveled to the impacted area, please first call Student Health Services at 513-529-3000 to receive guidance on next steps. Miami has set up a call center to address any general questions or concerns at 513-529-9000.

      • Meanwhile, we are still in flu season, and these precautions are recommended for both the flu and Coronavirus:
      • Wash hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds.
      • It is especially important to wash your hands:
        • Before, during, and after you prepare food.
        • Before you eat and after you use the bathroom.
        • After handling cash.
        • More frequently when someone in your house is sick.
        • Before/after smoking/vaping.
      • Use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer if soap and water are not available.
      • Clean your doorknobs/light switches and areas commonly touched with disinfectant wipes frequently.
      • Avoid contact with sick people.

    Miami Health Services and Student Life professionals acted quickly with appropriate protocol, and we will continue to follow the best practices currently known. We have proactive partners in local and state healthcare. We will post updated information on myMiami as it becomes available. Please check announcements there regularly.

    Jayne Brownell
    Vice President, Student Life

    Terri Buzzell
    Director, Student Health Service

  • Ohio Department of Health classifies 2019-novel Coronavirus (2019-nCoV) immediately reportable disease

    Ohio Department of Health classifies 2019-novel Coronavirus (2019-nCoV) immediately reportable disease

    Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) says the risk to the American public is low. 

    A News Release from the Ohio Department of Health

    COLUMBUS — Amy Acton, MD, MPH, Director of the Ohio Department of Health (ODH), declared novel Coronavirus (2019-nCoV), an immediately reportable disease.

    By issuing a Director’s Journal Entry, Dr. Acton elevated 2019-nCoV to a Class A disease. This is a proactive step to ensure appropriate reporting of suspected cases, should the need arise in Ohio. No cases have been reported in Ohio to date. However, one case has been reported in Washington state and this step helps reinforce Ohio’s ongoing preparedness work.

    The Ohio Department of Health has been closely monitoring developments related to 2019-nCoV in tandem with the Centers for Disease Control. 2019-nCoV is considered a low risk to the American public, according to the CDC.

    Classifying a disease as Class A means that confirmed or suspected cases of 2019-nCoV must be reported immediately to the local health district where the person lives (or the local health district where the person is being evaluated if the person’s residence is unknown or not in Ohio). Required reporters include physicians providing care, administrators in charge of hospitals, clinics or other institutions providing care or treatment, laboratory administrators, or any individual having knowledge of a person with nCoV.

    What is 2019-nCoV?

    An outbreak of 2019-nCoV started in Wuhan City, Hubei Province, China in December 2019. Chinese authorities are reporting an ongoing spread of the virus in the community and so far more than 830 individuals are ill and 25 people have died. As families prepare to celebrate Chinese/Lunar New Year this week, multiple international travel advisories have been issued to help curb the spread of the illness.

    2019-nCoV is part of a large family of coronaviruses, some of which cause illness in people and others that circulate among animals. Rarely, animal coronaviruses can evolve and infect people and then spread between people. This happened with severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS) in 2003 and Middle East respiratory syndrome (MERS) in 2014, and now 2019-nCoV. These viruses may cause mild to severe respiratory illnesses with symptoms of fever, cough, and shortness of breath.

    How is Ohio tracking 2019-nCoV?

    Ohio’s public health system includes a team of state experts, local health departments, and local partners that perform daily monitoring of reportable diseases, including 2019-nCoV. ODH is closely monitoring the 2019-nCoV situation in lockstep with the Centers for Disease Control and is ready to respond if a case is reported in Ohio.

    “This situation is at the heart of public health,” said Dr. Acton. “We are working proactively with healthcare providers and local health districts/partners to identify and appropriately address emerging threats like novel Coronavirus.”

    What happens if a case is reported?

    • A case or suspected case of 2019-nCoV is reported to a local health department.
    • ODH reports to the CDC and, if indicated, patient specimens will be collected and shipped.
    • Currently, testing for this virus must take place at CDC.
    • ODH will work with local, state, and federal partners to investigate reports of 2019-nCoV in order to identify cases and prevent the spread of infection.

    What can you do to limit risk?        

    If you suspect you may have been exposed to 2019-nCoV because you have traveled to China or have been around people who may have been exposed and/or are exhibiting symptoms, contact your healthcare provider and let them know you may have been exposed to 2019-nCoV before visiting the healthcare facility. This will help the healthcare provider’s office take precautionary steps to keep other people from being exposed.

    Just as with influenza and other illnesses, it’s critical to protect yourself. Experts at the Ohio Department of Health recommend these tips:

    • Practice good hand hygiene.
    • Follow appropriate cough and sneeze etiquette.
    • Don’t go to work or school when you feel ill. Stay home and rest.
    • Avoid exposure to others who are sick.

    “Anticipatory action like this is critical to ensuring that we are protecting Ohioans,” Dr. Acton said. “It is our sincere hope that this virus does not spread but if it does, Ohio’s public health system is prepared.”

    Although 2019-nCoV is an emerging illness, the Ohio Department of Health has addressed similar issues in the past including two previous coronavirus outbreaks, MERS in 2014 and SARS in 2003.

    In addition to the latest work of declaring 2019-nCoV a Class A disease, ODH also routinely collaborates with healthcare providers, local health departments, local health partners, and the CDC to share information and best practices for addressing other potential infectious diseases.

    For more information about 2019-nCoV, visit our website at www.odh.ohio.gov.