FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:

February 2, 2020
 
Clark County patient tests negative for novel coronavirus
 
LAS VEGAS – The Southern Nevada Health District received notice today from the
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention that a Clark County resident has tested
negative for the 2019 Novel Coronavirus (2019-nCoV). While waiting for the test
results the patient’s symptoms had resolved and had remained isolated in
compliance with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention guidance. The adult
patient arrived into the United States from Wuhan, China on January 14 and sought
medical care on January 28.
 
“The Health District worked closely with local and state health care partners and the
CDC to investigate this case,” said Dr. Fermin Leguen, Acting Chief Health Officer of
the Southern Nevada Health District. “We appreciate the cooperation and assistance
we received,” said Dr. Leguen.
 
While the CDC considers 2019 novel coronavirus outbreak to be a serious public
health threat, based on current information, the immediate risk to the public in the
United States is believed to be low at this time. Southern Nevada residents who have
not traveled to areas in China where the virus is circulating or have had close contact
with a patient who has tested positive for the virus are at low risk for infection.
 
People who traveled to China and feel sick with fever, cough, or difficulty breathing
within 14 days after they have returned should contact their health care provider.
Potential patients are advised to contact their medical provider or emergency
department before they arrive so the medical facility can take the appropriate
precautions.
 
The Health District is encouraging the public to follow the current CDC
recommendations, which include:
Practicing everyday preventive actions to help prevent the spread of
respiratory viruses:
Washing your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. If
soap and water are not available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer.
Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth.
Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
Cover your cough and sneeze with a tissue, then throw the tissue in the
trash.
Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces.
 
It is important to note there are four common types of coronaviruses that are part
of routine testing in health care facilities. These four strains cause respiratory
infections, including colds. Currently, only the CDC has the capability to test for
the novel coronavirus. Patients who receive a diagnosis of coronavirus in local
health care facilities have tested positive for a common strain of the virus and not
the 2019 Novel Coronavirus.
 
Up to date information on the 2019 Novel Coronavirus is available on the Health
District website at http://www.southernnevadahealthdistrict.org/coronavirus.
 
Access information about the Southern Nevada Health District on its website:
www.SNHD.info. Follow the Health District on Facebook:
www.facebook.com/SouthernNevadaHealthDistrict, YouTube:
www.youtube.com/SNHealthDistrict, Twitter: www.twitter.com/SNHDinfo, and
Instagram: www.instagram.com/southernnevadahealthdistrict/. The Health District
is available in Spanish on Twitter: www.twitter.com/TuSNHD. Additional
information and data can be accessed through the Healthy Southern Nevada website:
www.HealthySouthernNevada.org.
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