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No Coronavirus in Wyoming

Contrary to recent posts on social media, the outbreak of the Novel Coronavirus has not breached the boundaries of Wyoming.

The Wyoming Department of Health assures the state’s residents that there are no reported cases of the deadly virus in Lander.

The department is closely monitoring the outbreak situation and sharing recommendations with Wyoming’s healthcare providers.

Although it has been going by the moniker “coronavirus”, it is actually the 2019 Novel Coronavirus. Coronaviruses are a large family of viruses, some of which simply cause the common cold.

This outbreak, according to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), apparently began in China where Chinese health officials have reported thousands of cases, severe illness and even deaths associated with the virus.

There is no vaccine or specific treatment for the infection, so supportive care is all that is available.

The CDC has even issued a recommendation to avoid all nonessential travel to China. Travelers are being screened coming into the country for lower respiratory symptoms and fever in an attempt to curb the spread of the virus.

Chinese authorities believe it began with a large seafood and animal market, suggesting a possible zoonotic origin for the outbreak.

If you are feeling under the weather, don’t be surprised if your doctor asks if you’ve recently been to China or have had any contact with someone who has.

The usual steps you take to prevent getting sick during cold and flu season, frequent hand washing with soap and warm water, avoiding touching your eyes and mouth, getting adequate sleep, using hand sanitizer and avoiding people who are already sick, are the best defense for the time being.

 
 

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