The presumptive first case of the new coronavirus, which has been linked to numerous deaths, has been confirmed in Louisiana, according to the governor's office.

The person is a Jefferson Parish resident who is at an Orleans Parish hospital.

The case is considered "presumptive" until it is confirmed by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

The new virus, COVID-19, is a member of the coronavirus family, which includes viruses that cause common colds and others that result in more serious illnesses, such as SARS and MERS.

The virus can cause fever, coughing, wheezing and pneumonia. Health officials said they believe it spreads mainly from droplets when an infected person coughs or sneezes, similar to how the flu spreads.

Officials are advising people to take steps to avoid infection with coronavirus or other respiratory infections like colds or the flu, including washing hands with soap and water and avoiding close contact with people who are sick.

According to data from China, where coronavirus originated, the elderly are at a heightened risk. The disease has about a 2% mortality rate and about 80% of cases are mild. But in people ages 70 to 79, that fatality rate shot up to 8%. In those over 80, the fatality rate was almost 15%.

Officials have warned that the fatality rate may be skewed due to the underreporting of mild cases where infected people experience few or no symptoms.

This is a developing story.

Staffer Emily Woodruff and The Associated Press contributed to this report.