Idaho’s latest coronavirus numbers show uptick in testing, no new confirmed cases
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Ruth Brown, Idaho Statesman
As of Monday morning, five people in Idaho have tested positive for the novel coronavirus, but 247 have been tested statewide, according to state officials.
The Idaho Statesman reports no deaths have been reported in Idaho as a result of the novel coronavirus, which causes the COVID-19 disease.
As of about 8:30 a.m. Monday, the state’s website had not changed the number of positive tests since Saturday. The number of tests increased significantly.
Idaho public health is monitoring 31 people, also an increase.
Public health experts stress the importance of hygiene and social distancing to slow the spread of the virus.
As of Saturday evening, the Idaho Department of Health and Welfare had reported five positive cases — two in Ada County, one in Blaine County, one in Teton County and one in South-Central Idaho.
Multiple Treasure Valley school districts and businesses announced closures this week in an effort to stop the spread of the virus.
HERE’S WHAT WE KNOW ABOUT THE FIVE CASES IN IDAHO
Case No. 5: South-Central Idaho
South Central Public Health reported a female patient over the age of 70 on March 14. She is hospitalized and recovering, according to a press release from the Idaho Department of Health and Welfare. The “point of transmission” is under investigation, the release said. South Central Public Health is based in the Twin Falls area.
Case No. 4: Teton County
A woman under the age of 60 who lives in Teton County tested positive March 14. She had close contact with a confirmed case in a neighboring state, according to Eastern Idaho Public Health. She has experienced mild symptoms that don’t require hospitalization. Idaho officials declined to identify the neighboring state.
The woman self-isolated after reporting the possibility of coronavirus March 12.
Case No. 3: Ada County
The Central District Health department said the case of COVID-19 is in a male patient from Ada County in his 50s with no identified underlying medical issues. The man likely got the virus out of state, the department said March 14.
Case No. 2: Blaine County
Officials with the South Central Public Health District in Twin Falls confirmed March 14 the second case of the novel coronavirus in Idaho.
After the announcement, Blaine County School District Board Chairman Keith Roark and Superintendent GwenCarol Holmes said in a press release that all schools and facilities are closed to the public, beginning March 16. The closures will last through April 5.
The case involves a woman from Blaine County over the age of 50, who is recovering from mild symptoms that did not require hospitalization, according to Melody Bowyer, director of the health district.
It is still unknown where the patient contracted the virus. Although she recently traveled to a neighboring state, the state did not have confirmed cases while she was there. Officials said they would not identify which state she traveled to.
The Idaho Mountain Express reported that the woman is a Blaine County School District parent.
Case No. 1: Ada County
The woman who was the first person in Idaho with a confirmed case of the novel coronavirus is a student at Idaho State University’s Meridian campus, the university announced. The campus is just outside Boise.
The state announced the case March 13. The woman was described as an Ada County resident in her 50s.
The woman had returned from a conference in New York City, said Elke Shaw-Tulloch, administrator of public health for the Department of Health and Welfare. Three other attendees at that conference have tested positive for the coronavirus, which causes the COVID-19 disease.
MORE ON COVID-19
The symptoms of COVID-19 can include fever, cough, fatigue, shortness of breath, sore throat, joint and bone pain, headache and chills.
The coronavirus is believed to have a higher mortality rate than seasonal flu, especially among the elderly and people with other health conditions or compromised immune systems.
Anyone who believes they may have coronavirus should contact their medical provider. If they don’t have a primary care provider, residents can call 2-1-1 or call a local health care clinic for advice.