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According to the Kansas and Missouri Departments of Health, there have now been 6 cases of the coronavirus COVID-19 in the state of Kansas and 5 in Missouri. Some those who have contracted the disease have traveled to endemic areas, but others have had no travel and no noted ill contacts. We do not yet understand all of the transmission of this virus.

Testing is still not available upon demand because of the short supply. Both states request patients, nurses, or physicians call the county or state department of health in order to verify eligibility for testing, then testing at associated sites. Increasingly, private labs will be performing testing, although next week's supply of tests are unknown at this time.

There are presently no fda approved therapies for this disease, although there are trials underway.

Authorities currently recommend the following:

1)14 day home quarantine for those who have traveled to New York, Washington state, Eagle/Summit/Pitkin/Gunnison in Colorado the last week, those who have traveled on cruise ship after March 15, or those already notified they should be under quarantine.
2)14 day quarantine for anyone who has been a close contact of a verified case of Covid-19
3)Those that are ill should stay home.
4)Those who develop temperature>100.5F, cough, or shortness of breath without another explanation may be considered for COVID-19. They should check with their physician about recommendations.
5)Strict handwashing, keeping a distance of 6 feet or more, washing surfaces, and covering coughs and sneezes are extremely important.
6) Those over the age of 60 and/or impaired immunity should consider not going to public events that may have crowds or exposure to ill individuals.

Please ask your internal medicine physician (internist), family physician, primary care provider or other personnel for further questions.