It's important for all of us to practice healthy habits with flu season upon us, especially in light of concerns surrounding the coronavirus.
The Indiana State Department of Health (ISDH) recently announced that it is prepared to combat the coronavirus and the disease, COVID-19, it causes. The ISDH announced today that Indiana has its first presumptive case of COVID-19. ISDH has worked with local health departments to monitor nearly 60 additional travelers in accordance with guidelines established by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). The number of people being monitored fluctuates as individuals complete the 14-day monitoring period.
The CDC has said the immediate risk, at this time, is low for Americans who do not have risk factors, such as travel to an impacted area or contact with a person who has had recent travel to affected countries.
COVID-19 is primarily spread when an infected person coughs or sneezes. Symptoms include cough, fever and shortness of breath.
While there isn't a vaccine or treatment for COVID-19 at this time, ISDH officials recommend Hoosiers take the following preventative measures: wash your hands frequently, cover coughs and sneezes, stay home if you are sick and disinfect high-touch surfaces.
I encourage you to stay up to date on the latest information by checking credible sources of information, including the ISDH website at in.gov/isdh and the CDC website at cdc.gov/COVID19.
Should you have any questions about COVID-19, or suspect you have contracted COVID-19, please contact the ISDH Epidemiology Resource Center at 317-233-7125.
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A high-resolution photo of State Sen. Jeff Raatz is available by clicking here.
