Nevada's first case of COVID-19, the disease caused by the novel coronavirus, may have been detected.
The Southern Nevada Health District confirmed Thursday morning that a 50-year-old male patient tested presumptive positive for the novel coronavirus.
The health district is sending a sample to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention for official confirmation.
The patient reported recently traveling to Washington state, which is experiencing an outbreak of the virus. The SNHD said it is working with partners to find the people the patient has had close contact with.
The patient was identified through the VA health system.
Governor Steve Sisolak reacted to the report the following statement:
“First and foremost, my thoughts are with the patient and his family at this time,” said Governor Sisolak. “The State of Nevada and our local health authorities are taking this situation very seriously and have been preparing for weeks in anticipation of a presumptive case. I’ve spoken with members of our federal delegation and we will continue coordinating to ensure Nevada’s local health authorities and partners have all the support they need. I urge all Nevadans and visitors to remain calm and follow all available guidelines on how to prevent the spread. We must all do our part to prepare and prevent – not panic.”
He said the governor's office and the state's department of health will coordinate with the CDC in this case.
The state's epidemiologist said the state's residents are at low risk for contracting COVID-19.