Carroll County Public Health released a statement Thursday addressing rumors about perceived threats from the novel coronavirus originating in China, named COVID-19. According to Director, Nikki Schwering, concern regarding an outbreak is normal, but residents need to be sure the information they are getting is correct. She says they have been made aware of inaccurate reports at the local, state and national levels.
As of Friday, Feb. 21, the Iowa Department of Public Health (IDPH) is monitoring 27 at-risk individuals. Two Iowa residents were tested for COVID-19 earlier this month, both of which returned negative. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) have confirmed more than 30 cases in the United States, including repatriated individuals. Nearly all of these patients were linked to travel to affected areas. Schwering says people should confirm any information they see on social media about local cases with the IDPH.
Schwering stresses the overall risk to Iowans is low, but there are things people can do to reduce their risk of illness due to coronavirus, influenza and other communicable diseases.
More information about COVID-19, including updates from the IDPH, can be found by following the links included with this story on our website.
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https://idph.iowa.gov/emerging-health-issues/novel-coronavirus
https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/index.html
