CDC confirms first case of coronavirus in US
The US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention says the mysterious Sars-like virus which has sickened hundreds in Asia has already spread to the US.
The first confirmed Wuhan coronavirus case is in isolation at a Everett Washington medical facility after seeking treatment on January 19.
The US resident arrived at Seattle-Tacoma International Airport just before the US announced health screenings at airports.
The CDC and Washington state health officials are trying to retrace his steps to see who he had been in contact with since returning to the US.
"We believe the risk to the public is low," said John Wiesman, Washington state secretary of health.
CDC administered airport screenings include checking temperature and physical inspection for symptoms like a cough and breathing problems.
Screenings have already begun at airports in New York, Los Angeles and San Francisco, and will be extended to Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta and Chicago O’Hare Airports this week.
The CDC raised its travel advisory for the city of Wuhan to a ‘Level 2’, urging travelers to ‘practice enhanced precautions.’
The Wuhan coronavirus has infected more than 300 people and killed six.
Cases have also been confirmed in Thailand, South Korea, and Japan.
The outbreak started in late December and is thought to originate from a now closed animal and seafood market in Wuhan.
Health officials in China fear it could get dramatically worse with millions of people set to travel home and overseas for the Chinese New Year holiday.
Still, many will likely reconsider plans with travel company and airline stocks declining.
The Ministry of Transport expects about 79 million to fly during the holidays with many millions more taking to the roads and trains.
TravelMole Editorial Team
Editor for TravelMole North America and Asia pacific regions. Ray is a highly experienced (15+ years) skilled journalist and editor predominantly in travel, hospitality and lifestyle working with a huge number of major market-leading brands. He has also cover in-depth news, interviews and features in general business, finance, tech and geopolitical issues for a select few major news outlets and publishers.
Vegas’s Billion-Dollar Secrets – What They Don’t Want Tourists to Know
Visit Florida’s New CEO Bryan Griffin Shares His Vision for State Tourism with Graham
Chicago’s Tourism Renaissance: Graham Interviews Kristin Reynolds of Choose Chicago
Graham Talks with Cassandra McCauley of MMGY NextFactor About the Latest Industry Research
Destination International’s Andreas Weissenborn: Research, Advocacy, and Destination Impact
Graham and Don Welsh Discuss the Success of Destinations International’s Annual Conference
Graham and CEO Andre Kiwitz on Ventura Travel’s UK Move and Recruitment for the Role
Brett Laiken and Graham Discuss Florida’s Tourism Momentum and Global Appeal
Graham and Elliot Ferguson on Positioning DC as a Cultural and Inclusive Global Destination
Graham Talks to Fraser Last About His England-to-Ireland Trek for Mental Health Awareness
Kathy Nelson Tells Graham About the Honour of Hosting the World Cup and Kansas City’s Future
Graham McKenzie on Sir Richie Richardson’s Dual Passion for Golf and His Homeland, Antigua
ADS PRO 
Airlines suspend Madagascar services following unrest and army revolt
Qatar Airways offers flexible payment options for European travellers
TAP Air Portugal to operate 29 flights due to strike on December 11
Air Mauritius reduces frequencies to Europe and Asia for the holiday season
Airbnb eyes a loyalty program but details remain under wraps