Solano County officials declared a local emergency Thursday after the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention confirmed a county resident tested positive for the novel coronavirus — and, the person may have contracted the virus through community transmission.
The resident who tested positive for COVID-19 was not exposed to the disease through travel or from being in contact with an infected person, according to Solano County Public Health.
Public health officials don’t know exactly how the patient contracted the virus. Dr. Bela Matyas, Solano County health officer, said in a statement:
“We are taking this situation seriously.”
Matyas said her team has moved from containment of the disease to mitigation:
“We are investigating potential exposures and ensuring that proper evaluation and care are provided if they become sick.”
Despite the seriousness of the situation, the risk to county residents is low, health officials said. But it’s likely more cases will appear as the virus spreads globally.
Symptoms of the disease are similar to the flu with fever, cough and shortness of breath. Symptoms may show up in two to 14 days after being exposed.
Gov. Gavin Newsom on Thursday said 8,400 people statewide are being monitored for signs of the virus. Thirty-three people in California have tested positive and five have left the state, Newsom said at a news conference.
Last modified March 18, 2020 2:04 am
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