The novel coronavirus, now known as COVID-19, is causing an outbreak of respiratory illness. The coronavirus outbreak began in December 2019, in Wuhan City, Hubei Province, China. Chinese health officials have reported thousands of coronavirus infections in China, including many that resulted in death.

Other countries have now identified coronavirus cases appearing. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has confirmed cases appearing within the United States. The CDC, Texas HHS, and the County’s Health Department are all working to help educate the public on the virus and how to avoid catching and spreading the disease. The CDC suggests that the best way to prevent infection is to take precautions to avoid exposure to this virus, which are similar to the precautions you take to avoid the flu.