Maine individual tests negative for 2019 Novel Coronavirus

Thu, 02/13/2020 - 4:30pm

    The Maine Center for Disease Control and Prevention (Maine CDC) received confirmation today, Feb. 13, from federal health officials that the individual in Maine tested for the 2019 novel coronavirus has tested negative.

    Maine has no confirmed cases of 2019 novel coronavirus and the risk to the general public remains low.

    The individual was the first person from Maine to be tested for the 2019 novel coronavirus. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (U.S. CDC) conducted the test and informed Maine CDC of the results. No other individual from Maine has met the criteria to be tested.

    The individual voluntarily agreed to stay home in accordance with U.S. CDC guidelines, and has cooperated fully with Maine CDC staff.

    The 2019 novel coronavirus is the cause of an outbreak of respiratory illness first detected in Wuhan, China, in December 2019. Signs and symptoms include fever and/or cough and difficulty breathing.

    To date, the U.S. CDC has confirmed that 15 individuals have tested positive for the 2019 novel coronavirus in six states. Individuals from 41 states and U.S. territories have been tested. The vast majority of tests in the U.S. have been negative, and no deaths in the U.S. have been attributed to the 2019 novel coronavirus.

    Maine CDC staff continue to work closely with public health officials nationally and with Maine health care providers to minimize the public risk posed by the novel coronavirus. Health care providers must report any patients with recent travel to China or exposure to confirmed cases of 2019 novel coronavirus.

    Maine people are encouraged to practice good hygiene, stay home if you feel sick, and share recent travel history with medical providers if you experience fever, cough, or difficulty breathing.

    Maine CDC regularly updates a webpage on the novel coronavirus at: www.maine.gov/dhhs/coronavirus