Two more likely cases of the Coronavirus have been identified in the Omaha metro area.
According to the Douglas County Health Department, it has received “presumptive confirmation” of two more COVID-19 cases closely related to the state’s first case, a 36-year-old Omaha woman.
The health department says two of the woman’s family members have COVID-19 symptoms and have been in self-quarantine since Friday, where they remain.
We are told that others who came into close contact with the woman have tested negative for the virus.
DCHD says that’s the “good news”—the limited exposure to other individuals in the area.
“We expected this to happen,” Health Director Dr. Adi Pour said. “This demonstrates the importance of contact investigations and shows how well they work.”
DCHD says epidemiology investigators have developed a list of contacts and will be reaching out to them individually, informing them of any health risks and how they can protect themselves and other potential contacts.
The 36-year-old woman is isolated at the University of Nebraska Medical Center’s Bio-Containment Unit, where she is listed in critical and stable condition.
State health officials have said the woman came into contact with several people who were taking part in a Special Olympics basketball tournament at the Fremont YMCA and a VFW Post near 89th and Military in Omaha.
In addition health officials say she also made five visits to three health care sites and that has led to the self-quarantine of some 30 individuals.
The virus now accounts for 529 cases in the United States, with 21 deaths.
DCHD also says public health officials “continue to believe the risk to the general public is low.”
The major symptoms of COVID-19 are a fever, cough, or difficulty breathing.