Novel Coronavirus information and updates - Feb.11, 2020

If you have questions or concerns, please contact Niagara Public Health

From Niagara Region Public Health

Novel Coronavirus (2019-nCoV)

Niagara Region Public Health and Emergency Services is closely monitoring an outbreak caused by a novel (new) coronavirus first identified in Hubei Province, China (including Wuhan).

We're also collaborating with local hospitals, primary care, emergency services, the Ministry of Health, Public Health Ontario, and other provincial and federal partners to protect Niagara residents.

About Coronavirus

Coronaviruses (CoV) are a large family of viruses that cause illness ranging from the common cold to more severe diseases such as Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (MERS-CoV) and Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS-CoV).

The new (novel) coronavirus is a new virus in this family which we have not previously seen.

Risk from the New Coronavirus

Our assessment, and the consensus of international experts, is that the risk for Canadians is low.

Avoid sharing personal items that come into contact with saliva, such as toothbrushes and eating utensils.

If you have travelled to mainland China within 14 days and have recently developed respiratory symptoms, avoid contact with others and contact your health care professional immediately. Call ahead to allow health care staff to take appropriate precautions.

Symptoms

Common signs of infection include:

• Respiratory symptoms
• Fever
• New cough
• Shortness of breath and difficulty breathing

In more severe cases, infection can cause pneumonia, and rarely, death.

For more information, including valuable FAQs, visit: https://www.niagararegion.ca/health/Novel-Coronavirus.aspx