UPDATED: Kittitas County, WA – 02/07/2020 – The Kittitas County Public Health Department (KCPHD) was notified that the test results for the suspected case of novel coronavirus in Kittitas County came back negative. The patient is stable and is no longer under isolation.

KCPHD and Central Washington University (CWU) will continue to work closely together to reach out to students, families, and personnel that were involved.

Steps you can take to prevent the spread of the flu and the common cold will also help to prevent the spread of novel coronavirus:

  • Wash hands often with soap and water.  If that is not available, use hand sanitizer.
  • Avoid touching your eyes, nose, or mouth with unwashed hands.
  • Avoid contact with people who are sick.
  • Stay home while you are sick and avoid close contact with others.
  • Cover your cough.

“We are thrilled that the CWU student is feeling well, that the test results returned negative, and our community partners worked so closely with us, “states Health Officer Dr. Mark Larson.  “A negative test result is a reminder that public health will continue to respect the balance of preventing the spread of disease with limiting a person’s freedom of movement.”

Novel coronavirus will continue to be monitored.  For more information about novel coronavirus visit DOH at www.doh.wa.gov.  For updated local information call the Kittitas County Public Health Department at 509-962-7515.

BACKGROUND:

FROM JAN. 31, 2020 – Patient Tested for Novel Coronavirus in Kittitas County

Kittitas County, WA – 01/30/2020 – The Kittitas County Public Health Department sent a test for Novel Corona Virus to the Washington State Department of Health (DOH) Laboratory for a suspected case in Kittitas County. The patient is currently a student at Central Washington University (CWU) and was voluntarily in isolation. The student became ill and was seen locally at the CWU Student Medical & Counseling Clinic.  The student recently traveled internationally to attend an event, which may have exposed the student to novel coronavirus.
KCPHD worked closely with CWU to ensure the student was cared for and that the campus remained safe.  KCPHD interviewed the student and worked with any close contacts to mitigate any exposures.

Test results were expected to be available within 48-72 hours, although they were delayed.  The student remained in isolation until testing results were confirmed.

For more information about novel coronavirus visit DOH at www.doh.wa.gov.  For updated local information call the Kittitas County Public Health Department at 509-962-7515.