A third person in Arizona has been diagnosed with the novel coronavirus, the state Department of Health Services said Friday.
The case is a woman from Pinal County who is in her 40s and is currently hospitalized at a Phoenix-area hospital, according to the Pinal County Public Health Department. The woman, a health-care worker, is listed in stable condition.
She has not had known contact with any confirmed COVID-19 cases and has not traveled to any areas where the coronavirus is spreading rapidly. For this reason, the health department is treating the case as the first instance of community spread, or where the source of the infection is unknown.
How the woman was exposed is still under investigation, but officials are working to determine if she had contact with another known person with COVID-19.
âThe COVID-19 outbreak is rapidly evolving and based on events in other states, we expect additional cases and community spread in Arizona,â said Dr. Cara Christ, ADHS director. âKeeping Arizonans safe and healthy is our No. 1 priority and we are confident the public health system in Arizona is well prepared to respond to the COVID-19 outbreak.â
State and local public health are currently investigating to identify any close contacts of the woman that may have been exposed. Identified individuals will be monitored for fever and respiratory symptoms.
COVID-19 spreads through the air when an infected person coughs or sneezes. Symptoms are thought to appear within two to 14 days after exposure and consist of fever, cough, runny nose, and difficulty breathing.
Those considered at risk for contracting the virus are individuals with travel to an area where COVID-19 is spreading or individuals in close contact with a person under investigation for the COVID-19.
The best way to prevent COVID-19 and other respiratory diseases is to:
- Avoid close contact with people who are sick
- Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth
- Stay home when you are sick
- Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then throw the tissue in the trash
- Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces using a regular household cleaning spray or wipe
- Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. If soap and water are not readily available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer.
Anyone who has recently traveled to an area where COVID-19 is spreading and has developed fever with cough or shortness of breath within 14 days of travel or have had contact with someone who is suspected to have COVID-19, is urged to stay home and contact your healthcare provider. Those who do not have a healthcare provider, may need to be seen at a local hospital emergency room/urgent care center. It is recommended to call the emergency room/urgent care center to get instructions before going in.
For the latest information about COVID-19, visit azhealth.gov/COVID19.
