It’s a new highly contagious, currently incurable, respiratory illness that started in China and has spread here to the United States.

It’s called Coronavirus, where over 17 people have died overseas. There are currently two confirmed cases in the US and four currently being investigated in New York State.

Although no cases have been reported in the Syracuse area it’s still important to take precaution.

“Washing the hands, “advised Health Onondaga County Commissioner Indu Gupta. “Covering your mouth, making sure you use the mask, stay home if you are sick and not congregating in bigger groups.”

She said to avoid contact with people who have traveled to Asia and avoid going to high-risk airports. Five airports currently have intense CDC screening: LA, NYC, Chicago, San Francisco and Atlanta.

“At this point there is no plan,” said Gupta “to my knowledge, that Hancock airport is considered for that (CDC Screening).”

She mentioned that even if intense screenings are not in place at SYR, doctors such as Stephen Thomas have been trained on what to do if someone contracts the virus.

“Syracuse we have a lot of travelers, we have lot of international students we have a relatively large immigrant population,” he disclosed, “The idea that an emerging pathogen could make its way into our emergency rooms or clinics that is an everyday reality. “

He said patients are encouraged to walk through hospital doors or contact primary care physicians if they exhibit flu-like symptoms such as fever, cough, or shortness of breath.

However since the virus is so new, doctor procedures and signs of how to detect it will be changing along with new developments as more is learned about this virus.

He advises people visit the CDC's website for the latest information.