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Erie County health commissioner offers updates on coronavirus concerns

Michael Mroziak, WBFO

While saying there are no confirmed cases of coronavirus in Erie County, Health Commissioner Gale Burstein recommended the public take the same preventive steps used to slow the spread of an illness which has made the rounds locally, the flu. 

According to the World Health Organization, there are about 6,000 known cases of coronavirus worldwide, with 132 fatalities. Cases have turned up in four states, according to the Centers for Disease Control, but none so far in New York State according to Dr. Burstein.

"In New York State, as of January 28, there were samples that have been collected and sent to CDC and the New York State Health Department from ten people," she said. "So far, seven were found negative and there are three that are still pending."

There are no vaccines or treatments for coronavirus, Burstein added, but she recommended taking many of the same precautions used against influenza, including washing of hands, avoiding contact of eyes and mouth with hands, and other hygenic awareness.

The novel (new) coronavirus outbreak which has spread to 19 nations originated in China's Wuhan province. It was from China where the Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS) outbreak began and spread in 2003. Cases popped up as near as Toronto, Ontario. Noting the busy international crossing at Buffalo, Burstein stated that health officials have been in touch with border officials, as they were during the SARS scare and a more recent Middle Eastern Respiratory Syndrome (MERS) outbreak.

"We're all on the same page," she said. "We're working with the New York State Health Department on this. We are in constant communication about a response plan, like we did with SARS, like we did with MERS. It's really the same type of situation. It just hjas a different name."

Burstein recommended checking with the CDC's website for travel information, including restrictions or advisories related to the illness.

Michael Mroziak is an experienced, award-winning reporter whose career includes work in broadcast and print media. When he joined the WBFO news staff in April 2015, it was a return to both the radio station and to Horizons Plaza.
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