The Kane County Health Department (KCHD) is actively monitoring the novel coronavirus (2019-nCoV) situation. Chicago health officials, the Illinois Department of Public Health and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention confirmed the first case in Illinois. It was the second case reported in the United States. The first was identified in Seattle, Wash.. At this time, there have been no positive cases of individuals with the 2019 Novel Coronavirus in Kane County. The Kane County Health Department is in regular communication with health care providers to monitor this situation and remains ready to investigate any potential cases of novel coronavirus within Kane County. For additional information and current updates on the novel coronavirus situation, please visit the KCHD website at KaneHealth.com.
Current State and federal guidance provides that symptoms include the following: Fever, cough, and difficulty breathing. Primary risk factors include a history of travel to Wuhan City, China or close contact with a person positive for 2019-nCoV while that person was ill. Please contact your doctor or health provider first to report a suspected illness. They may advise you to take quarantine precautions upon arrival at their facility to prevent the spread of infection to other patients. Health providers will contact KCHD in the event that a case of novel coronavirus is suspected.
It is important to remember that the flu season is ongoing and the influenza rate is currently high. There is potential to confuse symptoms of influenza with other viruses. State and federal officials advise that only those individuals who have traveled through the affected areas or have been exposed to individuals who were positive for novel coronavirus are considered at risk.
As in all viral cases, it is advised to wash your hands frequently, avoid interacting with people who are sick, and make sure you are up to date on your immunizations. Although it has no known effect on coronavirus, it is not too late to get a flu shot to protect yourself. Shots are available at the KCHD, 1240 N. Highland Avenue in Aurora, Monday through Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m..
For more information, visit KaneHealth.com or call 630-208-3801.
— Kane County Health Department