Confirmed case of coronavirus in Idaho

UPDATED 5:15 P.M.

Governor Brad Little has announced the first confirmed case of the novel coronavirus in Idaho has occurred in Ada County.

Health officials confirmed a woman over the age of 50 is self isolated in her home and is "doing well".

“She recently returned from a conference in New York City and was alerted by conference coordinators after three people with confirmed novel coronavirus infections, who were also in attendance at the conference, boldly shared their information and test results to help alleviate contact investigations for potential spread among fellow conference attendees”, reads an Idaho Department of Health and Welfare press release.

“We are concerned for this person, but we’re glad her symptoms have been mild. I’m impressed at how well the clinic where the sample was collected minimized the risk to staff and other patients,” said Elke Shaw-Tulloch, administrator for the Division of Public Health in DHW. “We understand that this is scary, but we encourage everyone to do their part to stay healthy and prevent illness: Wash your hands often, cover your coughs and sneezes, stay home if you’re sick, and stay away from sick people.”

Idaho Public Health officials are monitoring the rapidly changing novel coronavirus situation very closely, domestically and internationally. We are working with the Governor’s Office and other state agencies including the Idaho Office of Emergency Management, local public health districts, and healthcare providers around the state, as well as CDC and other states.

“We have been preparing for this since January when the first confirmed case of coronavirus was confirmed in the United States,” Gov. Brad Little said. “We have taken many proactive steps, and we are in a good position to respond. Our focus is on slowing the spread of coronavirus to protect vulnerable individuals and preserve capacity in our healthcare facilities.”

Officials said her symptoms were mild, and she has been cooperating fully.

ORIGINAL STORY

The Department of Health and Welfare and Governor Brad Little will announce Idaho’s first confirmed case of the novel coronavirus at 5 p.m. today in the governor’s ceremonial office on the second floor of the Idaho Statehouse.

A press release with additional information will be sent after the announcement.

KMVT will update this story as more information becomes available.