(WWJ) There is good news and bad news to report as health officials continue to investigate possible cases of a new virus in Michigan.

Test results on three possible cases of 2019 Novel Coronavirus — in Macomb County and Washtenaw County — came back negative, according to the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services.

However, a specimen from a fourth possible case, from Washtenaw County, was sent to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) on Monday for testing.

The CDC, MDHHS, local public health departments and the state’s healthcare community are actively monitoring the outbreak originating in Wuhan, China.

These efforts include special attention to people who present with symptoms of lower respiratory illness (cough or difficulty breathing), fever, and report a travel history that includes Wuhan or contact with an ill individual who is under investigation for coronavirus infection.

“We are pleased to announce that the results were negative from Michigan’s first three patients under investigation,” said Dr. Joneigh Khaldun, MDHHS chief medical executive and chief deputy for health. “We encourage healthcare providers to remain vigilant in screening patients for symptoms and travel history, and to contact their local health departments immediately if they see a potential case.”

Coronaviruses are a large group of viruses common among animals and humans. In rare cases, the virus can be transmitted from animals to humans.

This novel coronavirus is a newly discovered version that has not been previously detected in animals or humans. The source is not yet known, officials said.

Patients with confirmed infection have reportedly had mild to severe respiratory illness with symptoms of fever, cough and shortness of breath.

The CDC believes at this time that symptoms may appear in as few as two days or as long as 14 days after exposure.

Anyone who believes that they have symptoms and have recently traveled to Wuhan, China, or have been in contact with someone who has had the virus, should call their healthcare provider or hospital prior to arriving so that the appropriate preventive measures can be put in place.

As information on this outbreak is changing rapidly, the public is urged to visit Michigan.gov/Coronavirus and CDC.gov/Coronavirus for updates.