Houston Health Department Update – Jan. 28, 2020

  • Update 3: There are currently no confirmed cases of 2019 novel coronavirus in Houston or Harris County. The Houston Health Department and Harris County Public Health only report confirmed cases of infectious disease and will promptly do so in the event of a confirmed case of 2019 novel coronavirus.
  • Update 2: RUMOR CONTROL: The Houston Health Department has not taken action to close any business related to novel coronavirus. Additionally, there is no current reason for people to avoid any local business due to concerns about novel coronavirus.
  • Update 1: At this time, there are no confirmed cases of novel coronavirus in Houston. As a preventative measure, CDC will expand screenings to 15 additional airports, including George Bush Intercontinental Airport. The City of Houston continues to work closely with CDC as logistics are still being finalized. At this time, Houston is waiting for further guidance on when screenings will begin. The City of Houston continues to stand ready with our partners to ensure our community is protected. We are closely monitoring the latest developments and will post updates here and on our social media platforms, @houstonhealth on Twitter and Facebook.

Houston Health Department Update – Jan. 27, 2020

The Houston Health Department, in conjunction with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Texas Department of State Health Services and other public health officials, continues to monitor an outbreak caused by a novel (new) coronavirus (2019-nCoV) first identified in Wuhan, Hubei Province, China.

DSHS reports no confirmed cases of coronavirus in Texas at this time. While this is a serious public health threat, based on current information, the risk to the general American public is low.

Prevention

While Wuhan coronavirus is a new respiratory virus, ways to prevent respiratory illness are the same:

  • Wash your hands frequently.
  • Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth.
  • Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
  • Stay home when you are sick.
  • Cover your cough or sneeze.
  • Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces.

Travelers

CDC advises travelers to avoid all nonessential travel to China.

  • Travelers to Hubei Province, China
    • Avoid contact with sick people.
    • Avoid animals (alive or dead), animal markets, and products that come from animals (such as uncooked meat).
    • Wash hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. Use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer if soap and water are not available.
    • Older travelers and those with underlying health issues may be at risk for more severe disease and should discuss travel to Wuhan with their healthcare provider.
  • Travelers arriving from Hubei Province, China
    • Monitor for fever, cough and difficulty breathing for at least 14 days and seek medical care right away if you experience those symptoms. Before you go to a doctor’s office or emergency room, call ahead and tell them about your recent travel and your symptoms.
    • Avoid contact with others.
    • Not travel while sick.
    • Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue or your sleeve (not your hands) when coughing or sneezing.
    • Wash hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. Use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer if soap and water are not available.

Additional Information