CONCORD, N.H. (WBZ NewsRadio) — Two people who were quarantined earlier this week on suspicion they carried the 2019 novel coronavirus turned out not to have it, New Hampshire health officials announced Thursday.
The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention confirmed the two people tested negative for the virus. They had traveled to Wuhan, China, the center of the recent outbreak, before falling ill.
"We are pleased the patients are doing well," New Hampshire Gov. Chris Sununu said in a release. "It is important to note that the State of NH followed all CDC guidelines in assessing these potential cases and had a plan in place to stop the potential spread of this virus. Our state remains vigilant in monitoring any potential cases and are well prepared for any future potential incidents."
There have been more than 7,000 cases of the virus identified across 15 different countries. In the United States, a patient in Chicago tested positive for the virus Thursday, becoming the sixth confirmed case in the country and the U.S.'s first confirmed person-to-person transmission case.
Symptoms of the virus can include fever, coughing, and difficulty breathing. Currently, there aren't any vaccines available, so officials recommend taking the same precautions as with the flu — including washing your hands frequently with soap and water.
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