Nevada is just one of the many states that has taken steps to minimize the risk and spread of COVID-19 as cases increase across the state and the country. Schools have moved to remote instruction, non-essential businesses are temporarily closed, and most residents are now at home. With public health at the forefront in Nevada and worldwide, accurate, scientifically-based information is needed now more than ever.
What is a novel coronavirus? A novel coronavirus is a new coronavirus that has not been previously identified. The virus causing coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), is not the same as the coronaviruses that commonly circulate among humans and cause mild illness, like the common cold.
Large events and mass gatherings can contribute to the spread of COVID-19 in the United States via travelers who attend these events and introduce the virus to new communities. Examples of large events and mass gatherings include conferences, festivals, parades, concerts, sporting events, weddings, and other types of assemblies. These events can be planned not only by organizations and communities but also by individuals.
On January 27, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) issued updated travel guidance for China, recommending that travelers avoid all nonessential travel to all of the country (Level 3 Travel Health Notice). This warning is in response to an ongoing outbreak of respiratory illness caused by a novel (new) coronavirus (2019-nCoV) spreading between people in many parts of that country.
What should I look for if I or someone in my family visited Wuhan recently? If you or someone in your family has visited the area recently and you started feel sick with respiratory symptoms like fever, cough, or difficulty breathing within 14 days after you returned, contact your health care provider so you can seek medical care. Call your doctor’s office, urgent care, or emergency department before you to so they can make preparations for your arrival and take the necessary precautions to get you tested and to prevent others from being exposed.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is closely monitoring an outbreak caused by a novel (new) coronavirus first identified in Wuhan, Hubei Province, China. Chinese authorities identified the new coronavirus, which has resulted in close to 300 confirmed cases in China, including cases outside Wuhan, with additional cases being identified in a growing number of countries internationally. The first case in the United States was announced on January 21, 2020. There are ongoing investigations to learn more.
On December 20, 2019, the Federal Food, Drug and Cosmetic Act was amended to raise the federal minimum age of sale of tobacco products from 18 to 21 years. It is now illegal for a retailer to sell any tobacco product – including cigarettes, cigar and electronic vaping products to anyone under 21. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) will provide additional details on this issue as they become available.
As of Dec. 18, 2019, six cases of electronic, or vaping, product use associated lung injury (EVALI) have been reported in Clark County, Nevada. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has identified vitamin E acetate as a chemical of concern among people with EVALI. The Health District and the CDC recommend these products never be used by youth, young adults, pregnant women, and people who do not currently use tobacco products. People who currently use tobacco products who wish to quit smoking should use FDA-approved therapies. People should not buy any type of e-cigarette or vaping products, particularly those containing THC from informal sources such as friends, or family, or in-person or online dealers. Devices and substances should not be modified or used in ways that are not intended by the manufacturer, including products purchased through retail establishments.
On Nov. 21, 2019, the Southern Nevada District Board of Health approved changes to the Environmental Health Fee Schedule. An itemized listing is available as downloadable PDF.
CDC, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), state and local health departments, are investigating a national outbreak of e-cigarette, or vaping, product use-associated lung injury (EVALI).
The use of e-cigarettes is unsafe for kids, teens, and young adults. Most e-cigarettes contain nicotine. Nicotine is highly addictive and can harm adolescent brain development, which continues into the early to mid-20s...
