MOHAVE COUNTY – Recent statements made by Nancy Messonnier, the Director of the National Center for Immunization and Respiratory Diseases at the CDC, were likely intended to heighten the public’s awareness and the next steps to be taken.
The Mohave County Department of Public Health wants to assure residents that measures are in place to prepare for a scalable response to suspected or confirmed cases or potential exposures.
Public health is working closely with Arizona Department of Health Service (ADHS), CDC, and local hospitals to prepare for potential cases and exposures of concern.
Denise Burley, Director of the Mohave County Department of Health, says, “At this point, it’s really all about planning. We want to encourage individuals, schools, and businesses to revisit how they would decrease the spread and lower the impact of illness in the workplace.”
Experts believe the COVID-19 novel coronavirus spreads via respiratory droplets produced when an infected person coughs or sneezes. According to the CDC, symptoms may appear 2-14 days after exposure, and generally include fever, cough, and shortness of breath. Burley points out that the Coronavirus precautions are essentially the same as the flu. Those precautions include:
Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue or another item — not your hands — when coughing or sneezing;
Avoid close contact with those who are sick
Stay home when sick;
Regularly clean and disinfect surfaces that are frequently touched.
Individuals should wash hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. Use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer (with at least 60% alcohol) if soap and water are not available.
There are some additional precautions involving international travel. Individuals considering overseas travel are urged to visit the CDC website for travel advisories and information. Burley says the county health department will implement an Outbreak Response Plan if needed.
For the most up-to-date information on the outbreak and travel guidance, visit to the CDC’s Coronavirus Disease 2019 web page. Mohave County Department of Public Health will provide updates on the Mohave County home page as they become available.
Burley emphasizes that it’s not just the Coronavirus to think about. She says, “Influenza is still incredibly active out there. Don’t lose sight of that. Get vaccinated against the flu, if it hasn’t been done already. Stay cautious, take those important precautions, and do all that is necessary for your health and others.”
