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Two Iowans are being monitored for coronavirus, and so far this flu season 18 people have died from influenza-associated illness in the state. The Iowa Department of Public Health announced Wednesday afternoon that two Iowans who recently returned from China are undergoing testing and are under voluntary home confinement. The 2019 Novel Coronavirus is a strain of coronavirus that was first detected in Wuhan, China. The Centers for Disease Control states the U.S. has 11 cases of this virus.

Washington County Public Health Administrator Danielle Pettit-Majewski tells KCII News that the illness in the U.S. has been associated with travel to Wuhan, “The risk to Iowans is incredibly low. So unless you have recently traveled to Wuhan province, or you have an interaction with somebody who has traveled to Wuhan province, your risk of getting this is novel Coronavirus is incredibly low. You know and I talk about the fear of an unknown, but I feel like there’s less fear of something that’s actually at a great risk to Iowans and that’s seasonal influenza. So last week [KCII] actually had it on your website, that five Iowans had died from influenza, last week. That is a greater threat to Iowans and we are seeing more deaths from seasonal influenza.”

Pettit-Majewski and the CDC both recommend getting an annual flu vaccine, if you haven’t already it can still benefit you this year. She adds that if you present symptoms like a fever and cough, call your medical provider to be seen. Pettit-Majewski emphasizes to help prevent the spread of all illnesses cover your coughs and sneezes, wash your hands frequently, and stay home when you’re ill.