The County of Santa Clara Public Health Department received confirmation today from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) that an adult male resident of the county has tested positive for the novel (new) coronavirus. 
 
This case recently traveled to Wuhan, China and became ill upon returning home. He was seen at a local clinic and hospital, but was never was sick enough to require hospitalization. He is in stable condition and is self-isolating at home, and he did not leave home while he had symptoms except to seek medical care. Public Health Department staff are in regular contact and monitoring his symptoms and condition. Further information about the individual will not be released for reasons of medical privacy. 
 
“We understand that this news may be concerning, but based on what we know today, the risk to residents of our community remains low,” said Dr. Sara Cody, Health Officer, Santa Clara County. “This news is not unexpected. Santa Clara County has the largest population in the Bay Area, and many of our residents travel for both personal and business reasons.”
 
Even with news of this case, the risk to the general public remains low because the patient remained at home. Santa Clara County residents, students, workers, and visitors should continue to engage in their regular activities and practice good health hygiene since this is the height of flu season. Healthy people should not be excluded from activities based on their race, country of origin, or recent travel. Anyone with respiratory symptoms, such as a cough, sore throat, or fever, should stay home, practice proper cough etiquette and hand hygiene, and limit their contact with other people. 
 
County of Santa Clara Public Health Department is working closely with the CDC and the California Public Health Department, and other partners as this continues to be a rapidly evolving situation. Information will be updated as it becomes available on our website: http://sccphd.org/coronavirus.  
 
Key Points: 

• The case has been confirmed by the CDC. 
• There is no evidence of person-to-person spread in our community and the risk to the public remains low. 
• The person is in stable condition and self-isolating at home and being monitored by the Public Health Department. In order to protect patient privacy/confidentiality, no other details about this person will be released. 
• Public Health Department officials are following up directly with all individuals who have had close contact with this person to determine their risk of infection, monitor them for signs and symptoms of illness and to take measures to limit the spread of the virus. 

This is the only case of novel coronavirus in Santa Clara County. There are currently six other confirmed cases in the United States. 
 
In January, County of Santa Clara Public Health Department activated its Emergency Operations Center to ensure regular communications to the public, providers and partners, as well as to handle any reports of potential novel coronavirus infection. The department will continue to provide regular updates and to work with healthcare providers as the situation evolves. 
 
Healthcare professionals are reminded to use appropriate infection control practices at all times. Public Health will continue to provide updated information about the diagnosis and management of cases of novel coronavirus to healthcare providers and hospitals in the County and relevant partners to both identify and prevent any future cases. 
 
This situation is rapidly changing, so the public should visit the PHD website for updated local information at http://sccphd.org/coronavirus. The CDC provides more information about novel coronavirus at https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-nCoV/index.html.

​The County of Santa Clara Public Health Department is working closely with our local, state, and federal public health partners to closely monitor novel (new) coronavirus developments. We are preparing locally because this is a new and rapidly evolving situation. We have staffed our public health emergency operations center to coordinate our work. This includes working actively with healthcare providers, schools, and many other partners. 
 
We know people are anxious and concerned about this new virus. Because it is so new, there is still a lot we do not know, including exactly how it is spreads, how easily it spreads, and whether people with no symptoms can spread the virus. 
 
One thing we do not know is whether masks will protect you from this virus, mainly because there is no evidence of person-to-person spread in our community right now. Our best advice right now is you don’t need to wear a mask since there is little risk of getting the illness. 
 
The one exception is if you are sick with respiratory symptoms like fever, cough, or shortness of breath – wear a mask to protect others. Simple surgical masks can help prevent spreading the flu and other viruses to your family, friends, colleagues, and community. 
 
People who have traveled to where virus is circulating should closely monitor their health for 14 days after they have returned. If you begin to get sick with a fever, cough, or shortness of breath, stay home and wear a mask around others in your household. Call your healthcare provider and let them know your travel history and your symptoms. 
 
If you have mild symptoms like a cough, runny nose, or sore throat, you do not need to go to a hospital emergency department. Please do not go to an emergency department unless your symptoms are more severe, such as having difficulty breathing. 
 
If you are at home sick, please wear a mask and separate yourself from others to protect them from your illness. If your symptoms get worse, contact your healthcare provider again to determine what treatment may be needed. 
 
With any virus, we know they spread easily in large groups people. If you can, avoid large gatherings, especially if you do not feel well. And if you have a fever, cough, or trouble breathing, please do not attend Super Bowl parties this weekend. Whether it’s the flu or another virus, you can help us limit the spread of many illnesses by staying home when you are sick. 
 
Responding to outbreaks like this one is what public health departments do. It is our responsibility to take action to limit the spread of disease and protect the public's health, and we thank you for doing your part. 
 
 
Dr. Sara Cody 
Health Officer 
County of Santa Clara ​​

​Translations: Chinese, Spanish, Vietnamese

The County of Santa Clara Public Health Department and other local health departments, are working closely with the California Department of Public Health (CDPH) and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) to closely monitor the novel (new) coronavirus, which originated in Wuhan, Hubei Province, China. 
 
To date, there are no cases of this novel coronavirus reported in Santa Clara County.  Milpitas Unified School District continues to stay in contact with the Santa Clara County Office of Education to provide updates from the Public Health Department.
 
Travel and Novel Coronavirus
The CDC has issued a Level 3 travel alert to China: People should avoid all nonessential travel to China.

Translations now available:
Chinese
Spanish
Vietnamese

​Novel Coronavirus Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is happening?
There has been an outbreak of new illness called "novel coronavirus". While the illness started in China, the situation is quickly changing.

​What do we know about novel coronavirus?
People with the virus have been confirmed in a number of countries including the United States. Since this virus is very new, health authorities are carefully watching the situation and how this virus spreads. This situation is quickly changing, and the U.S. Centers for Disease Prevention and Control (CDC) provide updated information as it becomes available.

​What is the County of Santa Clara Public Health Department doing?
Public health officials are taking action to protect the public. The CDC and the World Health Organization (WHO) are closely monitoring the outbreak. Public health departments, including at County of Santa Clara, are working to identify anyone who might be infected to prevent further spread of the outbreak. To date, no confirmed cases have been identified in Santa Clara County.

​Is my family at risk of getting novel coronavirus?
At this time, the general public in Santa Clara County is at low risk for the new coronavirus. However, public health officials are still learning about this virus. It is important that everyone take preventative measures to help decrease the spread of the flu and other viruses that are in our community. Stay away from people who have signs of a respiratory tract infection, such as runny nose, coughing, and sneezing, and try to avoid gatherings with lots of people. 

What should I do now to protect my family?
1. Get your flu shot to protect against flu, which can produce symptoms similar to novel coronavirus.
2. Wash your hands with liquid soap and water, rub for at least 20 seconds.
3. Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, sleeve or arm. Do not use your hands.
4. Avoid touching your face, especially your eyes, nose, and mouth. 
5. Stay home if you are sick with any respiratory symptoms, such as fever, cough, shortness of breath and are feeling tired.
6. Try staying away from large groups of people.
7. CDC recommends against traveling to China.

​Should we avoid going to public events?
Please remember that flu and other respiratory viruses are very common right now, and large group gatherings are places where viruses often spread. Remember, if you are not feeling well or are experiencing cold, flu or other symptoms, stay home to avoid spreading germs.

What happens if someone has traveled to China and they are now sick?
If someone who has travelled from Wuhan, China and has symptoms of respiratory illness, they should be sent home from school/work and the school should immediately contact Public Health.

​What are the symptoms of novel coronavirus?
Symptoms may include fever, fatigue, cough, or shortness of breath. Some people may have pneumonia or more serious illness.

​I'm sick. How do I know if it is coronavirus or something else, like flu?
If you have traveled to Wuhan, China in the 14 days before your symptoms started or have been in close contact with someone ill who has been there, please contact your doctor.

​How is novel coronavirus spread? Are my children and family at risk?
It is unclear how easily or frequently this virus may spread from person to person, so it's important to practice good hygiene (e.g. cover your cough and sneeze, and wash hands, avoid touching your face). We are still learning about this new virus, but at this time the risk is low to Santa Clara County residents.

​Should we cancel travel plans to Asian countries?
At this time, the CDC has issued a Level 3 warning, recommending to avoid all nonessential travel to China. Please check the CDC website for current advisories to other countries.

​I'm feeling stressed and overwhelmed, who can I talk to?

• ​Anonymous crisis line is available 24 hours, 7 days a week including holidays: 1-800-704-0900 (Mental Health Services) and/or SAMHSA's Disaster Distress Helpline 24 hours at 1-800-985-5990 
• Text TALKWITHUS to 66746 (Press 2 for Spanish).

​I'm a healthcare provider. Where can I find information?
County Public Health has information about novel coronavirus for clinicians

​Who can I contact if I have questions? 
County Public Health have a call center available open Monday through Friday, from 8am-5pm: (408) 885-3980​.

Dear Administrators, Teachers, Staff, and Parents:
 
The CDC and state and local public health departments are closely monitoring developments regarding an outbreak caused by a novel (new) coronavirus first identified in Wuhan, Hubei Province, China. The first case in the United States was announced on January 21, 2020 in the State of Washington. Public health departments are working to identify anyone who might be infected to prevent further spread of the outbreak. To date, there are no confirmed cases in California, and Santa Clara County residents are at low risk of becoming infected.
 
When new viruses surface, there can be lots of anxiety and stress. It’s important to stay informed. We acknowledge the impact that this outbreak is having on our community, and on those who have friends or relatives who are affected. We are thinking of you.
 
What you need to know 

• In the unusual event that a child or staff member is identified who recently traveled from Wuhan, China, and who has any of these respiratory symptoms (fever, cough, or shortness of breath), he or she should be sent home from school/work, and the school should contact the Public Health Department at 408-885-3980 for additional guidance.

We encourage all students, parents, and staff to take common-sense precautions to prevent the spread of all infectious diseases, including common illnesses like colds and flu

• Encourage students and staff to stay home when they are sick.
  • Those who have a fever at school should go home and stay home until at least 24 hours after they no longer have a fever without the use of fever-reducing medicine.
  • Separate sick students and staff from others, ideally in a separate place, until they can be picked up to go home.
• Promote hand hygiene among students and staff through education, scheduled time for handwashing, and availability of soap and water or hand sanitizer.
• Avoid touching your face, particularly your eyes, nose, and mouth.
• Teach and encourage proper cough etiquette—cough or sneeze into a tissue, sleeve, or arm (do not use hands).
• Perform routine surface cleaning.
• Consider not attending large gatherings, as this is where cold, flu, and other respiratory viruses often spread.

The Public Health Department has a webpage dedicated to novel coronavirus at sccphd.org/coronavirus; we will keep the webpage updated as we know more. We will monitor the developing situation and inform you of any additional public health recommendations.
 
All the best,

                                                                       
Sara H. Cody, MD
Health Officer and Director

*MUSD will provide translations of this message and provide updates as we receive them from the county health department.
​
 
Novel Coronavirus Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
 
What is happening?
There has been an outbreak of a new illness called “novel coronavirus.” While the illness started in China, the situation is quickly changing.
 
What do we know about novel coronavirus?
People with the virus have been confirmed in a number of countries including China, Vietnam and the United States.  Since this virus is very new, health authorities are carefully watching the situation and how this virus spreads. This situation is quickly changing, and the U.S. Centers for Disease Prevention and Controls provides updated information as it becomes available.
 
What is County of Santa Clara Public Health Department doing?
Public health officials are taking action to protect the public. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the World Health Organization (WHO) are closely monitoring the outbreak. This situation is quickly changing, and the CDC will provide updated information as it becomes available.
 
Is my family at risk of getting novel coronavirus?
At this time, there is low risk to Santa Clara County residents, unless they recently traveled to Wuhan or were in close contact with someone who was ill who recently traveled in that area.
 
What should I do now to protect my family?
1. Get your flu shot to protect against flu or symptoms like the ones for the novel coronavirus.
2. Wash your hands with liquid soap and water, rub for at least 20 seconds.
3. Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, sleeve or arm. Do not use your hand.
4. Stay home if you are sick with a fever, cough, shortness of breath and are feeling tired.
5. Try staying away from large groups of people.
6. For people who are traveling to Wuhan: www.cdc.gov/travel/notices/alert/novel-coronavirus
 
Should we avoid going to public events?  
Please remember that flu and other respiratory viruses are very common right now, and large group gatherings are places where viruses can spread. Remember, if you are not feeling well or are experiencing cold, flu or other symptoms, stay home to avoid spreading germs. 
 
What happens if someone has traveled to China and they are now sick?
In the unusual event that a child or staff member is identified who recently traveled from Wuhan, China and has symptoms of respiratory illness, they should be sent home from school/work and the school should immediately contact Public Health.  
 
 
What are symptoms of novel coronavirus?
Symptoms may include fever, fatigue, cough, runny nose or shortness of breath. Some people may have pneumonia or more serious illness.  
 
I’m sick. How do I know if it is coronavirus or something else, like the flu?
If you have traveled to Wuhan, China in the last 14 days or have been in close contact with someone who has been there and have cold or flu symptoms, please contact your doctor.
 
How is novel coronavirus spread? Are my children and family at risk?
It is unclear how easily or frequently the virus may spread from person to person, so it’s important to practice good hygiene (cover your cough and sneeze, and wash hands frequently with soap and water or alcohol based sanitizer). We are still learning about this new virus.
 
Should we cancel travel plans to Asian countries?
At this time, the CDC has issued a Level 3 travel advisory, recommending to avoid all nonessential travel to Wuhan, China. Please check the CDC website for current advisories to other countries: www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/
 
I’m feeling stressed and overwhelmed, who can I talk to?
An anonymous crisis line is available 24 hours, 7 days a week including holidays at 1-800-704-0900 (Mental Health Services) and/or SAMHSA’s Disaster Distress Helpline 24 hours at 1-800-985-5990 or text TALKWITHUS to 66746 (Press 2 for Spanish).