First case of Wuhan coronavirus confirmed in Massachusetts

BOSTON — Officials with the Massachusetts Department of Public Health confirmed the first case of the Wuhan coronavirus in the state Saturday.

Health officials said a Boston man in his 20s is confirmed to have the virus after he recently traveled to Wuhan, China.

The DPH and the Boston Public Health Commission were notified by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention of the positive test results late Friday evening.

“Protecting public health is a top priority for our administration and while the risk remains low for Massachusetts, state public health officials are working hand-in-hand with the CDC, local boards of health and other local partners,” Gov. Charlie Baker tweeted.

Protecting public health is a top priority for our administration and while the risk remains low for Massachusetts, state public health officials are working hand-in-hand with @CDCgov, local boards of health and other local partners. https://t.co/GqtBZTOO4e

— Charlie Baker (@MassGovernor) February 1, 2020

The man sought medical care soon after his return to Massachusetts, according to officials. He has been isolated since that time and will continue to remain isolated until he is cleared by public health officials.

“We are grateful that this young man is recovering and sought medical attention immediately,’’ said Dr. Monica Bharel, Massachusetts Public Health Commissioner. “Massachusetts has been preparing for a possible case of this new coronavirus, and we were fortunate that astute clinicians took appropriate action quickly. Again, the risk to the public from the 2019 novel coronavirus remains low in Massachusetts.”

Officials said his few close contacts have been identified and are being monitored for any sign of symptoms.

“Our priority is not only to protect and inform the residents of Boston, but also to help this man continue to recover. We are pleased that he is doing well,” said BPHC Executive Director Rita Nieves. “Right now, we are not asking Boston residents to do anything differently. The risk to the general public remains low. And we continue to be confident we are in a good position to respond to this developing situation.”

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