The coronavirus that first surfaced in China has reportedly spread beyond the country's borders and has already infected hundreds of people globally. That includes the U.S. where one case discovered in the state of Washington was confirmed Tuesday.

Only 5 U.S. airports allowed to accept incoming Wuhan flights

In response, amid fears of an outbreak, the U.S. government has barred all but five airports from accepting flights coming from Wuhan, the Chinese city where the virus was first detected.

Of those five, airport staff at New York's John F. Kennedy International Airport, Los Angeles International Airport and San Francisco International Airport have already been examining arrivals for virus symptoms like breathing problems, coughs, and fever.

Chicago's O'Hare International Airport and Atlanta's Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport, the other two on the list, will begin similar procedures starting this weekend.

One U.S. case of coronavirus in satisfactory condition

Doctors in Everett, Washington are also examining the first U.S. case, a male in his 30s, as well as several other people who were with him and may be exposed to the coronavirus which has already killed 17 people in China. To prevent an outbreak from the Providence Regional Medical Center pathogen unit, the patient is being treated via robotics and is reportedly in satisfactory condition.

The World Health Association has advised people to avoid anyone with a nasty cough, fever or respiratory issues. It also recommends anyone in close proximity to take such measures as washing their hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. Meanwhile, the National Institutes of Health are working on a vaccine, although it may take several months before one becomes available.