US records first person-to-person coronavirus spread

By Michael Hernandez

WASHINGTON (AA) - The U.S. recorded its first case of a person-to-person transmission of the new coronavirus Thursday as the disease's death toll continued to climb in China.

All prior cases of coronavirus in the U.S. were found in those who had recently traveled to Wuhan, China, the disease's epicenter, but the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) had been warning it was expecting a person-to-person transmission within the U.S.

The new patient had no history of travel to Wuhan, but lived with a Chicago resident who was diagnosed with the disease Jan. 21. Both are currently in stable condition, the health authority said.

“We understand that this may be concerning, but based on what we know now, we still believe the immediate risk to the American public is low,” CDC Director Robert R. Redfield said in a statement.

The new case brings to six the number of U.S. individuals who have tested positive for the coronavirus.

The CDC cautioned that it is likely additional cases will be identified, including person-to-person transmissions.

The novel coronavirus (2019-nCoV), which originated in the Chinese city of Wuhan in central Hubei province, has caused at least 170 deaths while more than 7,700 cases of infection being recorded.

Officials believe the virus first transmitted from animals to humans at a wholesale market in Wuhan.

The virus has raised alarm globally with cases reported across Asia, Europe, the U.S., and Canada. Travelers from China are being screened for the virus at airports worldwide.

The coronavirus causes flu-like symptoms, including fever, coughing, wheezing and shortness of breath.

The CDC estimates the virus can take between two and 14 days after exposure to manifest symptoms.