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3 Michigan cases undergoing testing for coronavirus

January 27, 2020
<p>Sparrow urgent care. STATE NEWS FILE PHOTO</p>

Sparrow urgent care. STATE NEWS FILE PHOTO

The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services has approved testing for three new possible cases of the Novel Coronavirus — two in Washtenaw County and one in Macomb County.

“At MDHHS, we recognize the potential threat associated with this virus and are working to identify any suspect cases in Michigan,” Joneigh Khaldun, MDHHS chief medical executive and chief deputy for health said in a press release. “Our goal is to quickly identify individuals with the virus and prevent any potential spread.”

The Centers for Disease control, or CDC, has identified five cases in people traveling from Wuhan, China in four states.

RELATED: 3 Michigan coronavirus samples tested negative

According to the press release, MDHHS is unsure of the exact date the test results are expected back but plan to have them within the next several days.

"CDC is getting information and samples from all across the country right now," MDHHS Public Health Officer Lynn Sutfin said. "So, it's going to take a couple days. We should get results back letting us know if it's a true coronavirus case or if it's not."

Michigan State University Deputy Spokesperson Daniel Olsen recently told The State News that while the university is monitoring the virus, “the risks of being exposed to this virus at MSU are unlikely.” 

The CDC has stated that there's a very low likelihood of (Michigan residents) contracting coronavirus, Sutfin said.

"But, things that people can do are simple things: making sure you are washing your hands often with soap and water, making sure if you are not feeling well, you stay home so you aren't spreading any viruses," Sutfin said. "Those are simple everyday precautions people should take to protect themselves, whether it's coronavirus, flu or even a common cold."

Previously, there have been two confirmed cases in the U.S: a man north of Seattle and a woman in Chicago. Both had recently traveled to Wuhan, China where the outbreak originated.

Sutfin advises that if people are not feeling well, they should contact their healthcare provider ahead of time.

"Be very clear about what they think they might have," Sutfin said. "The healthcare provider may want them to take some additional precautions as far as when they come in. Seek information from the healthcare provider and let them know 'This is what I want to be seen for.'"

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