A second presumptive positive case of coronavirus has been diagnosed in Pima County, according to a Friday release from the Pima County Health Department. The announcement marks Arizona's 10th diagnosed case of the virus.
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According to PCHD, it's being investigated how the individual contracted the virus and others in the person's household are isolated under observation at the home. At this point, there is no clear link between Friday's case and the first Pima County case identified on March 9.
The County Health Department this evening has announced a second presumptive positive case of COVID-19 in Pima County. https://t.co/2YyE0qayEX
— Official Pima County (@pimaarizona) March 14, 2020
The new diagnosis was reportedly made on Friday at the Arizona State Public Health Laboratory in Phoenix. The sample will then be sent to the Centers for Disease Control in Atlanta for confirmation.
“This new case highlights the importance of hospitals, doctors, public health, and the general public working closely together,” said Dr. Bob England, Director of the Pima County Health Department. “Our disease investigators have been working day and night to protect public health, and are in the process of identifying and reaching out to any people who may have been in contact with the case while infectious.”
- According to the Arizona Department of Health Services, as of Friday morning, our state had nine cases of coronavirus -- one confirmed, and eight presumptive positive. Three of the cases had been reported in Maricopa County, five in Pinal County, and one in Pima County, as of Friday morning.
President Trump on Friday declared a national emergency over the virus, and school districts across Arizona continue to announce closures delaying students' return to class.
According to PCHD, symptoms of coronavirus are thought to appear within two to 14 days after exposure, and consist of fever, cough, runny nose, or difficulty breathing.
Officials have said the best way to prevent the spread of respiratory viruses include:
- Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. If soap and water are not available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer.
- Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands.
- Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
- Stay home when you are sick.
- Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then immediately throw the tissue in the trash.
- Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces.
