SEATTLE — Washington state health authorities are tracking a growing number of people — the total has expanded to 64 — who had contact with the Washington state man who was the first confirmed U.S. case of the novel coronavirus. That patient, a man in his 30s, is still in “satisfactory” condition and is being monitored at Providence Regional Medical Center in Everett, Wash., authorities said. He had reached out to health authorities more than a week ago upon feeling sick after his return from Wuhan.

Two of the man’s contacts are considered “people under investigation,” said Heather Thomas, a spokeswoman for the Snohomish County Health District. Their specimens are being delivered to the CDC today. In the meantime, they are isolated at home, she said.

As to why the contact list keeps expanding, Thomas noted that “sometimes, we find one contact that adds on a couple more. For example, if one person was listed, but they had others with them, that initial contact now becomes two or three.”

“In a complex case like this one, it is to be expected that we identify others who need to be tested. That is why our disease investigators are doing daily monitoring for potential symptoms,” said Thomas.

Hospital officials said they are working with the CDC and the Washington state health department to treat and monitor the patient, said hospital spokesman Casey Calamusa.