The person who has been identified with the first case of the coronavirus in Idaho has been confirmed as an Idaho State University student at their Meridian campus, according to a press release from ISU President Kevin Satterlee.
The student was last on campus on March 10, according to the press release.
5:30 p.m. March 14
The Idaho Central District Health Department (CDH) has confirmed the first case of the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) in Ada County, Idaho.
The news came as Gov. Brad Little addressed the state in a press conference Friday at 5 p.m. MDT.
The person who has been identified with the coronavirus is a woman over fifty who attended a conference in New York City before flying back into the Boise airport.
“The virus could have been spread through airborne particles but the likelihood is very very low,” Brandon Atkins, CDH program manager. “The person was not symptomatic when they were flying back.”
The person is recovering and showing mild symptoms. There is no indication of other underlying health conditions and her exposure to others has been limited, Atkins said.
“Had this been a case where we didn’t know where it came from, it would be different,” Little said. “Our goal is to smooth that curve so we don’t overrun our capacity.”
According to state officials, she acted appropriately by contacting her primary care provider within 15 minutes of noticing symptoms. Health officials received a sample late yesterday afternoon and tested the sample this morning.
Atkins said they want to make sure resources are allocated to those with the highest risk for contracting COVID-19.
“This is not a test that everyone needs just to get peace of mind,” Atkins said.
Little encouraged Idahoans to work from home when possible to prevent potential exposure.
The Argonaut will continue to update this story as more information becomes available.
Angela Palermo can be reached at [email protected] or on Twitter @apalermooo