DES MOINES, Iowa -- The Iowa Department of Public Health says the Chinese strain of coronavirus recently discovered in the US isn't a big threat in the state.
"Flu represents, at this time, a greater threat here in Iowa than something like this (new) coronavirus. But, we monitor all kinds of illnesses to be sure that we're protecting people" says Public Health Department Medical Director Dr. Caitlin Pedati.
She says they want Iowa's doctors to ask their patients if they've recently traveled to the city in China from where the virus came.
"We're sharing messages to our health care providers to ask people if they've traveled to the particular area that's been effected--that's Wuhan, China" Pedati says.
The US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention says the United States has its first confirmed case of coronavirus that appeared in Wuhan, China.
The virus has sickened hundreds and killed six people in Asia.