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Okla. officials provide update on possible coronavirus

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The Oklahoma Department of Health is still waiting on word from the CDC about two potential coronavirus cases in the state.

Wednesday, state health officials briefed the public about the risk in the U.S., and how they're containing any potential spread.

State health officials say there is a low risk in Oklahoma, but they're taking it seriously.

There are now 6,100 confirmed cases in china with 170 deaths.

Here in the U.S., there are five confirmed cases across four states, and the number may go up soon as nearly 100 cases are being tested by the CDC in Atlanta.

This includes both Oklahoma cases, and those results could be back by the end of the week.

Coronavirus symptoms are a lot like those of this year's flu,

So, people who have traveled to Wuhan, China and are coming down with a fever should be checked for coronavirus.

That means they will be isolated, and whoever they've had close personal contact with will have to check in with the department of health.

"With coronavirus, what we're seeing is that it is what's called droplets spread," said state epidemiologist Laurence Burnsed. "Essentially, within several feet of a person who has a confirmed case, from coughing sneezing laughing and talking, they may expel droplets of the virus to those in proximity."

The CDC is looking closely at people who have been hospitalized with potential cases.

Neither of the cases in Oklahoma have required any hospitalization.

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