BAKERSFIELD, Calif. — Although there are no confirmed cases of the coronavirus in Kern County, officials want residents to take the proper precautions.
The virus has killed 213 people so far, predominately in China and has spread to 18 other countries, including five confirmed cases in the United States, according to the World Health Organization.
Two cases have been confirmed in California -- one case in Los Angeles County and the other in Orange County. A third possible case is being investigated in San Diego, but has not been confirmed yet.
Adventist Health Bakersfield released a statement regarding the coronavirus concerns:
With international fears of the novel (new) coronavirus, many communities are experiencing rumors of the virus locally. Adventist Health Bakersfield Medical Center has not seen any cases of the novel coronavirus. If there were any confirmed cases of the novel coronavirus, the CDC would report that in collaboration with the local health department.
We would like to remind the public that we are in the middle of cold and flu season and it’s important to wash your hands regularly. It’s also not too late to get a flu shot. According to the CDC, 8,200 people have died, and 140,000 people have been hospitalized during the 2019-2020 flu season.
For more tips on how to prevent the flu: https://www.cdc.gov/flu/prevent/actions-prevent-flu.htm
Michelle Corson of the Kern County Department of Public Health said that if there was a case in Kern, they would immediately notify the public.
She also said that testing for the coronavirus cannot be done here in Kern County, due to the fact that the virus is so new, the only testing capabilities are with the Centers for Disease Control. If there was anyone who potentially has the virus, public health would be the one to submit the test to the CDC.
Coroson urges individuals to maintain good hygiene, including washing hands regularly.
Corson says if symptoms of fever, runny nose, cough or respiratory symptoms occur after coming in contact with anyone who recently traveled to China, get checked by a doctor immediately.
Valley Children's Healthcare announced they will be offering precautionary screenings for the virus at all of their locations.
Our entire Valley Children’s network is dedicated to protecting the health and wellbeing of children – and their families. At Valley Children’s Hospital, we will follow the recommendations of the California Department of Public Health by:
- Obtaining a travel history of all patients presenting with fever and acute respiratory illness
- Immediately placing anyone who shows symptoms AND has a positive travel history in a surgical mask and private room
- Immediately contacting our local health department if a suspected case is identified
- Under the guidance of the health department, we will test for the 2019-nCoV virus
