First coronavirus case confirmed in Thurston County
Thurston County Public Health and Social Services announced the first confirmed case of COVID-19, the illness caused by a novel coronavirus, in a resident of Thurston County Wednesday.
The patient is in their 50s, according to the press release sent just before noon. No further information on the patient was released.
The county wrote in its press release that public health was working to identify and contact everyone who may have come into contact with the confirmed case, and that the investigation is ongoing.
“We want people to understand that while the risk to the public is increasing, the most important things we can do is encourage people to wash their hands often and well, stay home if they’re sick, and call ahead to their health care provider if they have symptoms and know have been exposed to someone with COVID-19,” said Schelli Slaughter, Director of Thurston County Public Health, in the release.
A county spokesperson could not provide details, such as where the patient is staying, after The Olympian inquired.
“Details that can be provided to the public will be shared as we learn more,” the press release reads. A press conference may also be scheduled.
As of Wednesday morning, there were 267 cases confirmed statewide and 24 fatalities — 190 cases and 22 of the deaths so far had been confirmed in King County.
The state plans to update its count about 2 p.m. each day on its website (https://www.doh.wa.gov/emergencies/coronavirus), and Thurston County updates its Coronavirus web page frequently (https://www.thurstoncountywa.gov/phss/Pages/coronavirus.aspx).
Coronavirus is spread through contact between people within six feet of each other, especially through coughing and sneezing that expels respiratory droplets that land in the mouths or noses of people nearby. The CDC says it’s possible to catch COVID-19 by touching something that has the virus on it, and then touching your own face, “but this is not thought to be the main way the virus spreads.”
Symptoms include fever, cough and shortness of breath, which may occur two days to two weeks after exposure. The disease is especially dangerous for the elderly and others with weaker immune systems.
County public health officials’ guidance to the general public remained the same Wednesday afternoon as before this first case was confirmed, according to county spokesperson Meghan Porter.
Recommendations include that people who experience symptoms of the illness stay home, self-isolate, and call their health care provider. The most at-risk populations — people over age 60; with chronic underlying health conditions such as diabetes, cancer, heart disease, and lung disease; people with compromised immune systems; and pregnant women — are advised to limit attendance and participation at events with large crowds.
The virus is spread through contact between people within six feet of each other, especially through coughing and sneezing that expels respiratory droplets that land in the mouths or noses of people nearby. The CDC says it’s possible to catch COVID-19 by touching something that has the virus on it, and then touching your own face, “but this is not thought to be the main way the virus spreads.”
Public Health officials recommend taking these typical measures to prevent the spread of viral illness:
- Washing your hands often;
- Avoiding touching your eyes, nose, or mouth with unwashed hands;
- Avoiding contact with people who are sick;
- Staying at home while sick;
- Sanitizing surfaces;
- Covering your mouth and nose with a tissue or sleeve when coughing or sneezing.
This story was originally published March 11, 2020 at 12:06 PM.
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