Health department rules out first suspected case of coronavirus in Catalonia

The first suspected case of coronavirus in Catalonia has been discarded after health tests on the patient showed he did not have the contagius virus.

The Public Health Agency of Catalonia released a statement earlier on Tuesday saying a 33-year-old man from Wuhan, China showed symptoms of the virus on Monday and was admitted to the high risk department of Hospital Clínic in Barcelona. He underwent tests to confirm whether or not he has contracted the coronavirus, and they showed he did not have it.

Over 100 people in China have died as a result of the coronavirus. The first case that originated in Europe was confirmed in Germany on Tuesday afternoon by the Bavarian health minister.

Symptoms and prevention

The most common symptoms of the coronavirus include coughing, sore throat, fever, and a feeling of shortness of breath. In more severe cases, the infection can cause pneumonia, severe difficulty breathing, kidney failure, and even death. The most severe cases usually occur in the elderly, or people with underlying conditions such as heart disease, lung disease, or problems with the immune system.

Authorities say that if you exhibit symptoms within 14 days after returning from a trip to Wuhan, Catalan health services must be informed by calling 061.

General advice on how to avoid spreading respiratory diseases includes: wash your hands regularly; avoid close contact with people who show signs of respiratory distress, such as coughing or sneezing; maintain a distance of approximately one meter from people with symptoms of acute respiratory infections; cover your mouth and nose with disposable handkerchiefs when coughing or sneezing.