Montana health officials prepare for coronavirus

HELENA, Mont. — Montana Department of Public Health and Human Services officials are preparing for the possible spread of coronavirus in the U.S.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recently warned that the virus is likely to spread in America.

According to state health officials, 24 Montanans have been monitored after possible coronavirus exposure in mainland China. Of those, 15 were cleared and nine are still being monitored for symptoms.

Hospitals, health care workers and health departments across Montana are preparing for the arrival of coronavirus in the state.

"The hospitals have been training and exercising for events like this," Montana DPHHS communicable disease bureau chief Jim Murphy said. "That means we're better prepared than we would have been if we had not done those steps."

Murphy said preparations for coronavirus have been similar to those done for prior disease threats, like Ebola and SARS.

CDC officials warned the spread of coronavirus could close schools, cancel public events and force people to work from home. Murphy said all of that is a possibility in Montana if the virus arrives.

"It is still going to be something that is very difficult to deal with if the worst-case scenario plays out," Murphy said. "We are hoping the worst-case scenario isn't going to play out. We are in a position of hoping for the best and preparing for the worst."

Murphy said that worst-case scenario can be seen in parts of mainland China.

This strain of coronavirus is new, and Murphy said health officials are still learning about it, but he said the estimated fatality rate is between 1% and 2%.

For the most up-to-date information about coronavirus in Montana, visit the DPHHS website.