The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention have confirmed the first case of the new coronavirus in the United States. An outbreak of the pneumonia-like virus began in China last month. Thus far, nine people in China have died and more than 400 have been infected, according to the AP.
The infected patient was traveling back to the U.S. from Wuhan, China on January 15th. The CDC reports that the patient is being treated at a medical facility in Washington -- possibly in the Seattle area, according to some local reports.
Symptoms of coronavirus include fever, cough and difficulty breathing. According to the CDC, the virus was originally thought to be spreading from animal to person, but there are indications that limited person-to-person spread may be occurring; it is unclear how easily the virus spreads between people. Preliminary information suggests older adults and individuals with underlying health conditions may be at increased risk.
To combat the outbreak, Chinese officials have started exit screenings for travelers leaving Wuhan. Public health entry screenings have also been implemented at San Francisco International Airport, New York's John F. Kennedy International Airport and Los Angeles International Airport. The CDC said it will expand health screenings to two more airports: Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport and Chicago O'Hare International Airport.
The CDC recommends travelers to Wuhan wash their hands often with soap and water, avoid contact with sick people and avoid animals, animal markets and animal produce. Anyone who displays symptoms should seek medical care right away, avoid contact with others and not travel.