Coronavirus: Orlando doctors ask people to ‘stay vigilant'

ORLANDO, Fla. — A second case of the coronavirus has been confirmed in the United States.

The first was diagnosed in Seattle, and now a woman is being treated in Chicago.

Both patients traveled to Wuhan, China, in late December. The outbreak has killed 25 people and made more than 800 others sick.

Read: Coronavirus: Death toll continues to climb, 6 things you need to know

Although there have been no cases reported in Florida, doctors say people should keep an eye on the virus no matter where they are.

Health officials in Florida say they’re working with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention to monitor the coronavirus.

“Coronavirus is one of those respiratory virus that, for the most part, has been responsible to cause common colds,” said Dr. Federico Hinestrosa.

Hinestrosa is a medical director at the Orlando Immunology Center and is board certified in infectious diseases.

“We should just be aware of (what) the news is saying about the cases that are being reported in the United States and go from there,” Hinestrosa said.

Millions of people visit the Orlando region every year, including many by plane.

Read: Coronavirus: OIA addresses deadly virus in China

Orlando International Airport said it’s keeping an eye on the situation and not taking any additional steps right now because it does not have direct flights to or from China.

Advent Health plans to post signs in certain areas asking patients to tell staffers if they’ve been to the part of China where the outbreak started in the past two weeks.

Orlando Health said it is working with its team to make sure they’re informed and ready to respond if necessary.

The Florida Health Department said it’s coordinating with local partners to investigate any suspected cases should they arise.

Hinestrosa said he believes the flu is a bigger danger to most Americans right now than the coronavirus, but asks people to stay vigilant.

© 2020 Cox Media Group