SACRAMENTO – (INT) - The California Department of Public Health (CDPH) reports that two people in Southern California have tested positive for novel coronavirus 2019 (nCoV-2019).

They include one individual in Los Angeles County and another in Orange County.

“The California Department of Public Health has been preparing for this situation by working closely with local health departments and health care providers,” said Dr. Sonia Angell, CDPH Director and State Health Officer. “We are supporting ongoing efforts by the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health and the Orange County Health Care Agency to respond to these cases, and will continue working with our partners to monitor for any additional cases that may occur in California, to ensure that persons can be safely and effectively evaluated for this novel virus, and to protect the health of the people of California.”

Currently, the immediate health risk from nCoV 2019 to the general public is low, health officials said.

People who have recently traveled and who become ill are encouraged to notify their health care provider of their travel history. Persons who have recently traveled to Wuhan, China, or who have had contact with a person with possible novel coronavirus infection should contact their local health department or health care provider.

The nCoV-2019 outbreak in China continues to evolve and California is prepared for more cases that may arise. CDPH considers this a very important public health event.

Story Date: January 30, 2020