One case of Coronavirus diagnosed in Washington State

DAYTON–Columbia County Public Health Administrator Martha Lanman reported that the Coronavirus Outbreak, which originated in China, is now in Washington State, but has not yet come to Dayton. She reported that it is transmitted human to human, and moves quickly enough that it is difficult to track to source. The current flu shot does not cover it; and people have died. Lanman is hoping to have more information later.

There have been reports that one individual from Snohomish, Wash., who just returned from a trip from China, has contracted the Coronavirus. No other cases have been reported in Washington State at this time.

A coronavirus is a type of common virus that can infect your nose, sinuses, or upper throat. They can spread much like cold viruses. Almost everyone gets a coronavirus infection at least once in their life, most likely as a young child. Most coronaviruses are not dangerous, but some are. Those that cause Middle East respiratory syndrome (MERS) or severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS) can be deadly.