The Massachusetts Department of Public Health [DPH] announced it has identified a positive case of coronavirus [COVID-19] in Middlesex County on Thursday.
A woman in her 60s who had recently traveled in Europe, including in Northern Italy, is the most recent case in the state.
The DPH lab will now send specimens to the U.S. Center for Disease Control and Prevention [CDC] for confirmation.
Since the DPH started testing last Friday, February 28, this is the second case it has discovered.
The COVID -19 outbreak began in January and this is the third case known in Massachusetts.
A Boston man in his 20’s who had just returned from Wuhan, China was the first case in Massachusetts. The CDC confirmed his case on Feb. 1.
Just three days ago, on March 2, DPH announced that a woman in her 20s from Norfolk Country had tested positive for the virus. She had recently traveled to Italy with a student group.
Both women, the two most recent cases, have yet to be confirmed by the CDC.
As of March 4, the number of people subject to self-quarantine in Massachusetts reached 719.
The DPH reports that the risk of COVID-19 to Massachusetts residents remains low. However, the risk of the flu is high and the steps to prevention are the same. Their recommendations:
- Wash hands often with soap and warm water for at least 20 seconds.
- Avoid touching your eyes and face.
- Clean things that are frequently touched (like doorknobs and counter tops) with household cleaning spray or wipes.
- Cover coughs and sneezes with a tissue or the inside of your elbow.
- Stay home when feeling sick.
- Get a flu shot.
More information from DPH is available at mass.gov/2019coronavirus.
Symptoms of Coronavirus (COVID-19)
