A Tennessee Tech student in Cookeville is in quarantine at Cookeville Regional Hospital after showing symptoms of the coronavirus. The student recently returned from China and soon after arrival back to Cookeville exhibited symptoms of a flu-type virus. Samples of his blood have been sent to the CDC in Atlanta for testing.

The Tennessee Department of Health (TDH) released the following statement:

“The department has been notified of an individual who meets the criteria for testing for possible infection with the 2019 Novel Coronavirus (2019-nCoV). Prompt action and communication from front-line medical professionals to public health authorities resulted in rapid isolation of the individual per guidance from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. TDH is working in close collaboration with local health organizations and the CDC to complete testing on this case as quickly as possible. While we await test results, there are no specific actions Tennesseans need to take. Anyone with concerns about his or her health should contact their medical provider.”

Tennessee Tech also released at statement:

“Yesterday, a student at Tennessee Tech University presented with very mild symptoms, and with his recent travel history met the criteria for testing for possible infection with the 2019 Novel Coronavirus (2019-nCoV). Health providers quickly recognized that the patient met the criteria for coronavirus testing, but nothing has been confirmed. The individual is being kept isolated while precautionary testing is being conducted. Tennessee Tech and Cookeville Regional Medical Center continue to communicate and collaborate with the Tennessee Department of Health and the Centers for Disease Control. The Tennessee Department of Health advises that while we await test results, there are no specific actions other individuals need to take. As soon as more information about the situation becomes available it will be made aware to the public.”

105.7 News wants to stress it is not confirmed at this time if the student has the coronavirus. The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) will make that announcement as soon as they have lab results back.

The coronavirus has killed more than two dozen and infected hundreds in China.

Health officials say the coronavirus produces symptoms similar to those of the flu.

Common human coronaviruses, including types 229E, NL63, OC43, and HKU1, usually cause mild to moderate upper-respiratory tract illnesses, like the common cold. Most people get infected with these viruses at some point in their lives. These illnesses usually only last for a short amount of time. Symptoms may include

• runny nose
• headache
• cough
• sore throat
• fever
• a general feeling of being unwell

Human coronaviruses can sometimes cause lower-respiratory tract illnesses, such as pneumonia or bronchitis. This is more common in people with cardiopulmonary disease, people with weakened immune systems, infants, and older adults.

Human coronaviruses most commonly spread from an infected person to others through

• the air by coughing and sneezing
• close personal contact, such as touching or shaking hands
• touching an object or surface with the virus on it, then touching your mouth, nose, or eyes before washing your hands

There are currently no vaccines available to protect you against human coronavirus infection. You may be able to reduce your risk of infection by doing the following

• wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds
• avoid touching your eyes, nose, or mouth with unwashed hands
• avoid close contact with people who are sick