JOINT BASE SAN ANTONIO-LACKLAND, Texas –
CAPT Jennifer McQuiston, CDC lead at JBSA-Lackland, and City of San Antonio officials provided an update on the quarantine today.
On Feb. 11, CDC notified Emergency Medical Services and local authorities of a person under investigation because a fever was observed during routine screening.
CDC responders coordinated the safe transport of the patient to a local hospital that had been identified to properly isolate and care for any person showing signs or symptoms of coronavirus.
Specimens were taken from the patient and samples prepared and sent to CDC for laboratory testing of the virus. Confirmatory testing at CDC was completed on Feb, 12 and the results of a positive test were communicated to the hospital and local authorities so that continued isolation and supportive care will continue.
Emergency medical personnel and hospital staff follow guidelines for the use of personal protective equipment during the transport and care of the suspect and now confirmed coronavirus patient.
The risk of infection for Americans remains low, and all agencies are working aggressively to monitor this continuously evolving situation and to keep the public informed.