Possible Coronavirus Case Under Investigation In Texas

BRAZOS COUNTY, TX — A suspected case of the 2019 novel coronavirus that originated in Wuhan, China is under investigation in Texas, according to the Brazos County Health District.

In a press release, the district said the patient had traveled from Wuhan. The person has been isolated at their home while they undergo precuationary testing. Officials said providers were aware of the public health guidance surrounding the novel coronavirus and recognized that the patient met the criteria for testing.

The district said it would make an announcement if the case is confirmed. The news comes the same week the first case of novel coronavirus in the U.S. was confirmed in a person in Washington state.

Texas A&M University said in a statement that the health district notified them of a possible case in one of their students. Below is the university's statement:

Earlier today, Texas A&M University was notified by the Brazos County Health District that a student may have a possible case of novel coronavirus.

Texas A&M continues to work with its Student Health Services and the Brazos County Health District. Officials have described the immediate health risk to the campus community as low.

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Officials in Brazos County said anyone who traveled to Wuhan, China and has flu-like symptoms should call the health district at 979-361-4440.

The new respiratory virus has sickened hundreds in China and has led to multiple deaths. Chinese media reports a complete travel ban was enacted in the city of Wuhan, barring travel by bus, train, or aircraft, after updated numbers showed 17 deaths and more than 550 infections in the country.

The New York Times reports the outbreak was first identified last month in a seafood and poultry market in the city of Wuhan and later spread to Beijing, Shanghai and other major Chinese cities.

Lucas Combos contributed to this story.

This report will be updated.