2019 Novel Coronavirus

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
January 28, 2020

2019 Novel Coronavirus

OKMULGEE – The Muscogee (Creek) Nation Department of Health (MCNDH) reports that the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the Oklahoma State Department of Health (OSDH) continue to closely monitor an outbreak and provide updates as circumstances warrant. The 2019 Novel Coronavirus (2019-nCoV) is a virus (more specifically, a coronavirus) identified as the cause of an outbreak of respiratory illness first detected in Wuhan, China.

Early on, many of the patients in the outbreak in Wuhan, China reportedly had some link to a large seafood and animal market, suggesting animal-to-person spread. However, a growing number of patients reportedly have not had exposure to animal markets, indicating person-to-person spread is occurring. At this time, it is unclear how easily or sustainably this virus is spreading between people.

What can you expect from MCNDH? MCNDH has internal protocol in place to triage patients should they present. Patients presenting to any MCNDH facility will continue to be screened for international travel. MCNDH is collaborating with the Oklahoma State Department of Health (OSDH) with any potential illness.

What can you do? While the immediate risk of this new virus to the American public is believed to be low at this time based on the CDC, everyone can do their part to help us respond and stay safe by remembering:
• It is currently flu and respiratory disease season. CDC recommends getting vaccinated, taking everyday preventive actions to stop the spread of germs, and taking flu antivirals if prescribed.
• If you are a traveler, stay up to date with CDC’s travel health notices related to this outbreak.