Two Iowans who were being monitored for novel coronavirus have tested negative. The two people had recently traveled to China and were in voluntary home confinement while tests were being conducted. The novel coronavirus was first detected in December in Wuhan, China. If you have traveled to China in the last 14 days and feel sick with fever, cough, or difficulty breathing it is advised that you call your health care provider right away to be seen. The novel coronavirus is associated with travel to China.

The Washington County Public Health Department states the risk to the general public remains low and adds that at this time the greater risk locally is influenza. So far, 18 Iowans have died from influenza this season.