Maryland patient first to be tested in state for coronavirus

A Maryland resident is being tested for the coronavirus, the Maryland Department of Health has reported.

The patient met the criteria established by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention for testing of the virus that has shut down portions of China. The Maryland resident, the first case tested in that state, is in good condition and will be monitored while awaiting test results, the Department of Health said in a statement. 

“The Maryland Department of Health is closely monitoring the rapidly changing situation with 2019 N-CoV, both in the U.S. and in China,” said MDH Deputy Secretary of Public Health Fran Phillips.

Just this morning, a cruise ship stopped its voyage just off the coast of Italy while diagnostic tests are run on a Chinese woman showing some of the symptoms. About 6,000 passengers and crew are onboard.

According to the World Health Organization, common signs of infection include:

• Fever
• Cough
• Shortness of breath
• Breathing difficulties.

In more severe cases, infection can cause pneumonia, severe acute respiratory syndrome, kidney failure and even death. About 7,700 cases of coronavirus have been reported worldwide, and there have been 170 deaths, according to the WHO.

Standard recommendations from the WHO to prevent infection spread include:

• Regular hand washing.
• Covering mouth and nose when coughing and sneezing.
• Thoroughly cooking meat and eggs.
• Avoid close contact with anyone showing symptoms of respiratory illness, such as coughing and sneezing.

At this time Maryland continues to have no confirmed cases of 2019-nCoV. Phillips, from Maryland's Department of Health, advised: “Stay home from work or school if you’re not feeling well.”

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