Presumptive Positive Coronavirus Test In NH Prompts Investigation

CONCORD, NH — While state officials believe there has been no widespread exposure of others in New Hampshire after a Dartmouth-Hitchcock employee tested positive for the new coronavirus after a trip to Italy, health investigators are working to determine if there was any exposure at all. The New Hampshire Department of Health and Human Services announced Monday that the fourth person to be tested for COVID-19 in the state was a presumptive positive. Three other residents who visited China and Italy during the last two months tested negative for the virus even though they showed symptoms.

The testing information for the fourth person is being sent to the Centers for Disease Control for confirmatory testing, according to State Epidemiologist Dr. Benjamin Chan. Chan said the adult was tested Sunday and the test positive was confirmed Monday morning. The person returned to New Hampshire from Italy about a week ago and developed the symptoms a few days later.

"At this time, there is no evidence of more widespread community transmission in New Hampshire," Chan said. "The State is conducting an investigation to determine potential exposure to other people in order to quickly isolate and test any additional people with suspect coronavirus."

State officials have been reaching out to people who may have been in contact with the individual. After monitoring close contacts, they may be asked to self-quarantine for two weeks following their last encounter with the individual — in an effort to limit the exposure to others. Household contacts have also been asked to self-quarantine since state officials determined the individual met the criteria to be evaluated.

Officials did not release a timeline on the determination of criteria or specific information about the in-state travel of the individual involved.

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COVID-19 is caused by a member of the coronavirus family that's a close cousin to the SARS and MERS viruses that have caused outbreaks in the past.

Like all respiratory illnesses, it is spread through respiratory droplets, meaning residents should take the same precautions as those recommended to prevent the spread of influenza. This means staying at home and avoid public places when sick (i.e. social distancing); covering the mouth and nose when coughing and sneezing; washing hands frequently; avoid being within 6 feet (close contact) of a person who is sick; avoid sharing drinks, smoking/vaping devices, or other utensils or objects that may transmit saliva; and disinfecting frequently touched surfaces.

The CDC has currently issued travel advisories for the following countries:

• Level 3 Travel Warning (avoid all nonessential travel due to widespread community transmission): China, Iran, Italy and South Korea.
• Level 2 Travel Alert (practice enhanced precautions due to sustained community transmission): Japan.
• Level 1 Travel Watch (practice usual precautions but limited community spread has been reported): Hong Kong.

Guidance to schools can be found here: dhhs.nh.gov/dphs/cdcs/documents/2019-coronavirus-schools-02292020.pdf.

Instructions for returning travelers to self-observe for symptoms of COVID-19 are available here: dhhs.nh.gov/dphs/cdcs/documents/2019-coronavirus-self-observation-guidelines.pdf.

For more information on COVID-19 in NH, visit dhhs.nh.gov/dphs/cdcs/2019-ncov.htm.

For the latest information from the CDC, visit cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/index.html.

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