Two New Hampshire Residents Being Tested for Coronavirus

Two New Hampshire residents are being monitored for possible exposure to the Coronavirus, after a recent visit to China.

A media release from the New Hampshire Department of Health and Human Services confirms that the two individuals had recently traveled to Wuhan, China. Once they started showing some respiratory symptoms, common to the virus, health officials began to monitor their conditions. Test samples have been sent to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. If they are found to be infected with the coronavirus, they will be isolated and treated.

So far, there are five confirmed cases of the virus in the U.S., from five states, and the CDC is testing more than 100 additional cases across the country. Anyone who has been to China recently is encouraged to remain vigilant. At the first sign of any respiratory symptoms like fever, cough, or difficulty breathing, they should seek medical help so they can get tested.

Health officials say it's still unknown how easily the virus spreads, but person-to-person transmission has been confirmed. There are no vaccines, at this time, but health officials advise taking the same precautions as with the flu. Wash hands often with soap and water, avoid sick people, stay home if you're sick, and cover your nose and mouth when coughing or sneezing. In addition, it's important to clean and disinfect surfaces and objects that could be contaminated with germs.

According to the Maine CDC, there are no confirmed cases of coronavirus in Maine, at this point.