March 2, 2020 4:30 a.m.
Second Presumptive Case of Coronavirus Appears in Oregon AM Mar 2 KB
Officials with the Oregon Health Authority have announced that the second presumptive case of coronavirus has appeared in Oregon.
The case is a Washington County resident who is an adult household contact of the initial presumptive positive case. A release from the OHA said the second adult did not require medical attention. They were identified as a contact of the first person during the public health investigation. The individual remains isolated at home.
The presumptive positive test result was one of nine total tests completed on Sunday by the Oregon State Public Health Laboratory. Eight other tests were negative.
The release said when a positive test result occurs, state and local public health officials conduct what is known as contact tracing. That is a way to identify and notify others who have been in close proximity to the person who has tested positive. Health officials continue to follow up with these individuals.
The initial positive case of COVID-19 in Oregon, was announced on Friday. The testing process is two tiered. The first test is done by the Oregon State Public Health Laboratory and a second test is conducted by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The results of the CDC test have to be received on the presumptive case. Testing is only done upon request of a health care provider, and is based on symptoms, travel to an affected area, and exposure to a person or persons who have traveled to an affected area. Testing only occurs in state public health labs and at the CDC. The Oregon State Public Health Laboratory has materials to process up to 80 tests a day and is building surge capacity if needed. Supplies are on hand to perform approximately 1,500 tests. The CDC has pledged to replenish Oregon’s capacity as needed.
The first presumptive case was identified as an employee of Forest Hills Elementary School in the Lake Oswego School District. A district release said the person works in a role that typically does not come into contact with students. That school has been closed through Wednesday as a thorough cleaning process is underway. Other schools in that district remain open.
Governor Kate Brown said that state and local health professionals are working around the clock to identity, treat, and contain each case of the disease.
Additional information including updates on the number of persons under investigation and being monitored is at https://www.oregon.gov/oha/PH/DISEASESCONDITIONS/DISEASESAZ/Pages/emerging-respiratory-infections.aspx