The spread of the new Coronavirus from Wuhan City, China has continued worldwide. The Southern Ute Health Center has been working with other tribal departments and San Juan Public Health to be prepared for any local cases. It is thought that the virus is spread through close contact, and droplets from coughing or sneezing. The risk for local cases is extremely low. Cases in the United States have been very few, and all have been linked to travel from China, or contact with someone who has traveled to China.

The symptoms of this Coronavirus are like those of other viruses that we have seen in the community, like influenza and RSV. This includes fever, cough, and shortness of breath. If you have these symptoms, and have traveled to China, or have been in contact with someone who has traveled to China within the past 14 days, please call the Health Center, urgent care, or emergency department before going in person.

The Southern Ute Health Center has protective equipment available in the case of a local Coronavirus outbreak. Our staff have been trained in infection control. We make every effort to protect our patients from infections while at the Health Center.

 

There is currently no vaccine to prevent this new virus. The best way to prevent infection is to avoid being exposed:

• Avoid close contact with people who are sick
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands
• Stay home when you are sick
• Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then throw the tissue in the trash
• Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces using a regular household cleaning spray or wipe

 

For the most up-to-date information about Coronavirus, access the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment at https://www.colorado.gov/pacific/cdphe/2019-novel-coronavirus.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention are also posting updates at https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-nCoV/summary.html.