First North Carolina novel coronavirus case confirmed in Wake County

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RALEIGH, N.C. (WTVD) -- One person has tested positive for the novel coronavirus in Wake County, health officials said Tuesday.

 

In a news release, Cooper said the patient is currently at home in isolation.

"I know that people are worried about this virus, and I want to assure North Carolinians our state is prepared," Cooper said in a written statement. "Our task force and state agencies are working closely with local health departments, health care providers and others to quickly identify and respond to cases that might occur."
 

Elaina Athans

 

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#Breaking Wake resident tested positive today for #Coronavirus. Governor says medical professionals are working to learn who else may have been exposed to the individual. #ABC11

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Officials said the patient contracted the virus after visiting a nursing home in Seattle, Wash., that is linked to seven deaths related to the novel coronavirus.



The North Carolina State Laboratory of Public Health announced Tuesday that laboratory technicians could perform testing for the virus in house, which would allow health officials to take swift action against any cases of the virus, specifically known as COVID-19.

Any positive tests would still require confirmation from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, per Food and Drug Administration requirements.

In the statement Tuesday, Cooper said the current case has not yet been confirmed by the CDC, but North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services will treat all presumptive cases as positive cases to limit the potential spread of infection.

Cooper said local health officials are identifying close contacts of the patient to monitor symptoms and contain the spread of the illness.

North Carolina Senator Thom Tillis released the following statement Tuesday afternoon:
"The health and well-being of North Carolinians is my top priority, and I'm working to make sure Congress comes together on a bipartisan basis to provide billions of dollars in federal assistance to combat the coronavirus and protect North Carolinians. I'm in close communication with Vice President Pence and other federal leaders, and I will do everything I can to continue supporting our state's medical institutions, universities, and health care systems, which are some of the best in the world and have a proven track record in treating infectious diseases."

So far, 60 cases and nine deaths have been reported in the United States, according to the CDC. Thirteen states have reported cases.

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Be careful DBians