Another New Hampshire Man Tests Presumptive Positive For COVID-19

CONCORD, NH — Another Rockingham County man has been tested for the new coronavirus and is a presumptive positive while state officials also track down more information about a Massachusetts resident who works in Bedford and has tested positive, according to the New Hampshire Department of Health and Human Services. The Rockingham County man traveled to "multiple countries in Europe" and self-isolated upon returning to the United States. The man notified his health care provider after developing symptoms, according to Jake Leon, a public information officer for the department.

"Household contacts have self-quarantined," he said. "DHHS conducted an investigation into this person’s activities and has determined the person has been isolated at home since returning to New Hampshire except to seek healthcare. NH DHHS has not identified any person other than household contacts in New Hampshire who may have been in close contact with this person while infectious."

The man is the fourth presumptive positive case in the state waiting to be confirmed by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Three are Rockingham County residents and one is a Grafton County resident. Two other cases from Grafton County have been confirmed positive by the CDC.

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So far, state investigators have not yet identified any widespread transmission of the coronavirus in New Hampshire. Individuals who have tested positive have also not contracted the virus without "clearly identified risk factors" such as returning from traveling or having contact with a patient.

"Any person who develops fever or respiratory symptoms (e.g., cough, shortness of breath) should stay home away from others and seek health advice by phone from a healthcare provider to discuss symptoms and any risk factors for COVID-19," Leon said.

State officials also are looking into gathering more information about a Massachusetts resident who works in Bedford and has tested positive for the virus, according to a department post on Twitter. No other information about the case is available from the state at post time.

What You Can Do

COVID-19, not unlike the flu and other respiratory illnesses, is spread through respiratory droplets, usually through coughing and sneezing, and exposure to others who are sick or might be showing symptoms. Take the same precautions as you would if you were sick:

• Stay home and avoid public places when sick (i.e. social distancing).
• Cover mouth and nose when coughing and sneezing.
• Wash hands frequently.
• Avoid sharing drinks, smoking/vaping devices, or other utensils or objects that may transmit saliva.
• Disinfect frequently touched surfaces.

More information from the New Hampshire Department of Health and Human Services about coronavirus can be found here on the department's website.

• Guidance to schools can be found can be found here.
• Instructions for returning travelers to self-observe for symptoms of COVID-19 are available are available here.
• For more information on COVID-19 in NH, visit its site here.
• For the latest information from the CDC, visit its site here.

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• 22 Tested For COVID-19 In New Hampshire: Coronavirus Update

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