Iowa Public Health says possible coronavirus cases not unexpected

Abstarct virus strain model of MERS-Cov and Novel coronavirus

DES MOINES, Iowa -- The Iowa Department of Public Health is saying it may take several days for coronavirus test results on two people in the state.

"This is not necessarily unexpected. I think this is a testament to the fact that a lot of the measures in terms of screening and asking people to seek care if they're sick--those are things that are working. Those are good things" says Public Health Medical Director Dr. Caitlin Pedati.

She says it's possible there could be more suspected cases of coronavirus in Iowa as screening increases.

"Providing monitoring and screening for all individuals with a history of travel from China in the past 14 days. It's expected that in doing that, it's possible we might see more people who might need to be evaluated" she says.

Pedati says the department also want to hear from doctors with patients who have symptoms of coronavirus, especially if they've recently come from China.

She says the two people who've been tested are voluntarily isolating themselves from other people.

Pedati says the department's not disclosing their location out of confidentiality concerns and that there is no immediate public risk.


Sponsored Content

Sponsored Content