PORTLAND, Ore. — A second presumptive case of the novel coronavirus has appeared in Oregon, the Oregon Health Authority (OHA) announced Sunday night.
In a press release Sunday evening, Oregon health officials said a second adult tested positive for the strain of the virus known as COVID-19. Officials said the person is a Washington County resident who had household contact with the initial presumptive positive case.
The second individual did not require medical attention and remains isolated at home, according to the OHA. They said the presumptive positive test result was one of nine total tests completed Sunday by the Oregon State Public Health Laboratory, eight other tests were negative.
State health officials said when a positive test result occurs, state and local public health officials conduct what is known as contact tracing, which is a way to identify and notify others who have been in close proximity to the person who has tested positive. Health officials said they continue to follow-up with these individuals. Public interest and inquiries about COVID-19 have centered on the testing process. The following information is to help inform persons about this process:
- A presumptive case of COVID-19 was announced February 28. The testing process is two-tiered. The first test is done by the Oregon State Public Health Laboratory and a second test to confirm is conducted by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). The results of the second (CDC) test have to be received on the presumptive case.
- Testing is only done upon request of a health care provider and is based on symptoms (fever, cough, shortness of breath), travel to an affected area and exposure to a person or persons who have traveled to an affected area.
- Testing only occurs in-state public health labs and at the CDC.
- The Oregon State Public Health Laboratory has materials to process up to 80 tests a day and is building surge capacity if needed. Supplies are on hand to perform approximately 1,500 tests; and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has pledged to replenish Oregon’s capacity as needed.
Because the current presumptive case of COVID-19 is affiliated with a local school, the Oregon Health Authority and the Oregon Department of Education partnered to create an “Information for Families and Schools” Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) document. Additional updated information, including daily tracking of Persons Under Investigation (PUIs) and Persons Under Monitoring (PUMs) is available at www.healthoregon.org\coronavirus.
The public is encouraged to find additional information through these resources:
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