Denton County reports first ‘presumptive positive’ case of coronavirus
Denton County Public Health reported the first case of the novel coronavirus Sunday afternoon.
Officials believe the the case is travel-related. The test result is considered presumptive positive until confirmed by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
The patient is a man in his 30s who lives permanently outside of Denton County. However, he currently resides and is in home-isolation in Double Oak, the department said in a statement. Citing privacy laws, the agency did not provide further details.
Individuals who may have been in contact with the man will be contacted by Denton County Public Health directly.
On Friday, Denton County Judge Andy Eads issued a disaster declaration for public health emergency effective immediately, strongly urging businesses, schools, places of worship and other community organizations to follow guidance limiting gatherings of 250 or more.
The Denton County State of Emergency follows similar orders made in Fort Worth and Tarrant County. Texas Gov. Greg Abbott declared a statewide emergency Thursday.
The new coronavirus, also called COVID-19, causes a flu-like illness with a fever, cough and shortness of breath. Younger, healthier people may feel moderate or no symptoms. Older people and those with compromised immune systems are most at risk.
This story was originally published March 15, 2020 at 7:15 PM.
