The Delaware health department is investigating a potential case of coronavirus in a Kent County resident, officials said Wednesday.

The Division of Public Health would not release any information about the resident, other than that a "review of the patient's travel history" and symptoms led to the determination that testing should be performed, officials said.

Test results from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention are expected to come in the next few days. The patient is isolated in a hospital, officials said, but would not name the hospital.

Health officials said there is "no widespread risk to hospital staff or other patients as all appropriate protective precautions are being taken."

The virus has caused worldwide concern since news began to circulate about it hospitalizing thousands and killing more than 132 in China. The epicenter of is in the city of Wuhan.

Maryland and Pennsylvania are investigating possible cases of the virus. A possible New Jersey patient tested negative, officials announced Tuesday.

There have been no reports of deaths from the virus outside China.

Customs and Border Protection have enhanced health screenings at several airports, including Philadelphia International Airport, to identify travelers sickened by coronavirus coming into the United States from Wuhan.

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Coronaviruses are among a group of viruses that can cause sickness ranging from the common cold to pneumonia, and even Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome, or SARS.

Signs of infection can include fever, cough, shortness of breath and breathing difficulties. Most cases are mild, but serious cases can lead to pneumonia, kidney failure and death.

The virus can be spread by coughing, sneezing and close contact with an infected person. It can also be spread from an animal to a person. There is no vaccine.

Health officials say people are at a greater risk of catching the flu than the coronavirus.

Only those who have recently traveled to China or have been in contact with someone who has recently traveled and is sick will have an increased risk for becoming ill, state officials say.

While there is no specific treatment for the infection, state officials said many people can recover with getting rest, drinking fluids and taking over-the-counter medication.

USA Today contributed to this report. Contact Meredith Newman at 302-324-2386 or mnewman@delawareonline.com and on Twitter @MereNewman.