43 People Monitored For 'Close Contact' With Coronavirus Patient

EVERETT, WA — Health officials are now doing daily check-ins with 43 people who came into contact with a Snohomish County man diagnosed with a new respiratory virus linked to Wuhan, China. The man, who has not been identified, contracted the first known U.S. case of 2019 Novel Coronavirus.

The number of potential exposures jumped from 16 to 43 on Thursday, after health officials learned about more people who may have interacted with the man before he was diagnosed or transferred to isolated care. Medical staff continue to monitor him at an Everett hospital, as a multi-agency team works to develop a full picture of his travel and learn more about how the new virus behaves.

Snohomish County health officials said he is resting comfortably and in good health.

Researchers believe the virus spreads primarily through "respiratory droplets," and can travel by coughing or sneezing, personal contact, including shaking hands, or touching an infected surface and not washing your hands.

Related: What Is A Novel Coronavirus? Health Officials Explain

The monitoring of the 43 people identified "close contacts" consists of a daily phone call from a health worker to check for any symptoms, like fever or respiratory issues. Other symptoms can include a runny nose, headache or sore throat. While the virus is not believed to spread easily, health officials said the new strain is concerning since it has caused pneumonia in some cases overseas.

The death toll has risen to 25 in China, and 830 infections have been reported internationally. The Snohomish County man remains America's only confirmed case, but a Texas college student was isolated for further tests Thursday after returning from China exhibiting potential symptoms.

Visit the Washington Department of Health website to catch up on the latest developments in our state.