The first case in Texas and the 15th in the nation confirmed the novel coronavirus (COVID-19). There haven’t been many details released so far. Still, we know the patient is isolated in an undisclosed hospital in San Antonio after being evacuated from Wuhan, China. Starting on February 7, 2020, there were 91 evacuees placed under a 14-day quarantine after being taken to the JBSA-Lackland military base in San Antonio. This person fell ill with a fever after about four days. Samples from the patient were then taken to the CDC, which confirmed the person did, in fact, test positive for COVID-19. The patient reportedly kept in touch with U.S. family members by phone and was traveling alone in China.
Quarantined on U.S. Soil
After being quarantined, this isn’t the first person to test positive for COVID-19. Two people tested positive for the novel coronavirus after being taken to the Marine Corps Air Station Miramar in San Diego. We’re also waiting for the test results of a third person who may have the virus, but they have yet to develop symptoms. Both patients with confirmed cases were on the same flight as the 193 Americans evacuated from Wuhan. I won’t be surprised if more people fall ill with this deadly disease. There are still over 600 evacuees in federal quarantine who are being closely monitored for signs of this very contagious virus.
Severity in the United States
Luckily, the CDC maintains the risk of Americans contracting COVID-19 is still low. Though not every case is updated regularly for privacy reasons, most patients diagnosed with the novel coronavirus in the United States are doing well. And, just like other viruses, certain people are more vulnerable to complications than others. This respiratory illness affects older people, but younger people can also die from this disease. So, you may want to postpone any travel plans to China for the time being.
