Here’s what to do if you’re worried about coronavirus in Mississauga

While officials say there’s no reason for Canadians to panic over the Wuhan coronavirus, the City of Mississauga says Peel Public Health is monitoring the situation. 

Two cases of presumptive coronavirus have been diagnosed in Toronto. The two patients, who are married, were both diagnosed within the last week.

The first patient was admitted to Sunnybrook hospital in Toronto on Jan. 23. The second patient is currently in self-isolation, according to the Ontario government. 

The New York Times reports that over 3,000 people have contracted the illness and up to 80 people have died of it. Most people who have been diagnosed with the virus live in China. 

No deaths have been reported outside of China. 

For those who are unaware, coronaviruses are a large family of viruses with symptoms similar to those associated with the common cold or flu. Coronavirus can worsen and in some cases, it can evolve into a severe respiratory illness that could cause death. 

The city says the risk to Mississauga residents remains low. 

Peel Public Health is working with the Public Health Agency of Canada, Ministry of Health, Public Health Ontario and other local health providers to monitor the situation and take actions as appropriate.

Symptoms of the illness can include:

• fever
• cough
• runny nose
• headache
• sore throat
• difficulty breathing
• pneumonia, kidney failure, and death in severe cases

If you have traveled to the region of Wuhan, China and are experiencing any of the symptoms listed above, avoid contact with others and follow-up with your health care professional.

The best way to prevent the spread of respiratory viruses such as novel coronavirus is to stay home if you are sick, avoid other people who are sick, cover coughs and sneezes with your sleeve and wash your hands with soap and water or with alcohol-based hand rub.