By NewsDesk  @infectiousdiseasenews

In a follow-up on the second of two nationally diagnosed novel coronavirus, or 2019-NoCv cases, city of Chicago health officials say the local patient, a woman in her 60s who recently returned to Chicago from Wuhan, China, is in stable condition and remains hospitalized.

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“We’re pleased that the patient is doing well and getting the proper care, that the public health system responded appropriately, and that the risk of transmission to the general public is low,” said Allison Arwady, MD, MPH, Commissioner of the Chicago Department of Public Health.

The patient took the proper steps of calling ahead to her doctor before arriving at the emergency room and had no extended contact since arriving back in the U.S. She has since limited all close contacts.

The patient returned to the U.S. from Wuhan on January 13, prior to the implementation of screening procedures at five U.S. airports, including the addition of O’Hare International Airport earlier this week. However, the City has been working closely with the CDC and other federal, state and local agencies, including the Department of Aviation (CDA) and the Chicago Fire Department, to proactively prepare for local cases since learning of the outbreak.

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“The Chicago Department of Aviation has no higher priority than the safety and well-being of the traveling public, as well our airport community. From the moment information came to light about this particular strain of coronavirus, CDA’s safety and security team has been closely monitoring the situation and interfacing with our federal and public health partners,” CDA Commissioner Jamie L. Rhee said. “As always, we want to be sure we’re able to support any special efforts related to the coronavirus, while at the same time maintaining normal operations — and that has happened. In addition to our valued travelers, we are working hard to ensure the tens of thousands of individuals who make their living at O’Hare airport have the most up-to-date information on the coronavirus, as well as ongoing efforts to keep the public and our airport family safe.”

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