In a press conference Saturday, Governor Mike Parson, St. Louis County Executive Sam Page, and medical professionals announced the first positive case of the coronavirus (COVID-19) in Missouri. The specimen, conducted by the Missouri State Public Health Laboratory, has been forwarded to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) laboratory.
This case is travel-related. The Missouri person, a female in her twenties from St. Louis County, recently traveled to Italy. She is now in isolation at home with family members who have also been in isolation. Local health department officials are identifying close contacts to monitor symptoms and contain spread.
The Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services has tested a total of 26 individuals for COVID-19. Three additional tests remain in progress.
In the past week, the Howell County Health Department and local health care providers including the Texas County Memorial Hospital have announced their plans and preparation in dealing with the possibility of Coronavirus.
Texas County Memorial Hospital:
Howell County Health Department:
