Los Angeles County Department of Public Health (LADPH) is working with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) to respond to the coronavirus (COVID-19) in the United States.
Some local residents expressed concern when representatives from the United States Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), and the County of Ventura Public Health announced that Naval Base Ventura County, located at Point Mugu, was selected as a coronavirus quarantine site, and that, as of February 26, one individual was under mandatory quarantine.
The officials stressed that the quarantine is a precautionary measure and the individual, identified as a passenger who arrived at LAX on a commercial airliner from China, was not exhibiting any symptoms of the virus.
The City of Malibu has released an announcement that states city staff are participating in regular conference calls with the LADPH to receive the latest updates and reviewing emergency procedures should an outbreak occur.
Currently, there is no immediate threat to the Los Angeles region. At press time, there were at least 40 confirmed cases in California but the numbers change every day. Governor Newsom said that he is asking the Federal government for more test kits.
The most common symptoms of COVID-19 are fever, tiredness, and dry cough. Some patients may have aches and pains, nasal congestion, runny nose, sore throat or diarrhea. These symptoms are usually mild and begin gradually. Some people become infected but don’t develop any symptoms and don’t feel unwell. Most people (about 80%) recover from the disease without needing special treatment. Around 1 out of every 6 people who gets COVID-19 becomes seriously ill and develops difficulty breathing. Older people, and those with underlying medical problems like high blood pressure, heart problems or diabetes, are more likely to develop serious illness. About 2% of people with the disease have died. People with fever, cough and difficulty breathing should seek medical attention.
The public is urged to remain calm and vigilant and practice standard infection control procedures, including:
- Wash hands often with soap and water for 20 seconds.
- Use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer if soap and water are not on hand.
- Cover your nose and mouth with your elbow or a tissue when coughing or sneezing.
- Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with your hands.
For more information, please refer to the following resources:
- CDC: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/summary.html
- LADPH: http://publichealth.lacounty.gov/media/Coronavirus/