Texas Resident Having Coronavirus Confirmed In Houston

Texas Department of State Health Services announced yesterday that a man has tested positive for the first known case of coronavirus in Texas.

ABC-13 in Houston, TX is reporting that a Fort Bend County resident has been hospitalized with the coronavirus. The man is in his 70s, and recently traveled abroad. His condition is currently being described as stable.

People who've had direct contact with the patient are being identified and isolated for monitoring and testing.

Houston Mayor Sylvester Turner released this statement:

I know many Houstonians may feel anxious after learning of the presumptive positive COVID-19 Fort Bend County resident. I want to assure everyone that the city of Houston Health Department is closely monitoring the developments and collaborating with regional, state and federal health authorities. For the general public, who are unlikely to be exposed to this virus at this time, the immediate health risk from COVID-19 remains low. If you have not been around anyone with COVID-19 or have not visited an ongoing outbreak area, you are currently not considered to be at risk. While people need to remain vigilant, there is currently no need for average Houstonains to take out-of-the-ordinary protective actions. People should continue to practice routine healthy hygiene habits to help prevent the spread of respiratory illnesses like COVID-19, such as washing hands frequently, covering coughs and sneezes, avoiding touching eyes, nose and mouth, and staying home if sick. I also remind Houstonians there is no need to go the emergency room unless you have a medical emergency. Emergency rooms need to be able to serve those with the most critical needs. If you have symptoms like cough, fever, or other respiratory problems, contact your regular doctor first. While there are currently no confirmed cases in Houston, this is a rapidly evolving situation and additional cases are expected.