FILE – This illustration provided by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) in January 2020 shows the 2019 Novel Coronavirus (2019-nCoV). Health officials hope to avoid stigma and error in naming the virus causing an international outbreak of respiratory illnesses. But some researchers say the current moniker, 2019 nCoV, which stands for 2019 novel coronavirus, probably won’t stick in the public’s mind. (CDC via AP, File)

Cameron County Health officials received information that a couple that traveled to South Padre Island tested positive for COVID-19 in their home state of Michigan.

According to the release, they were last on the island on March 11.



The release says the two individuals traveled to Idaho in late February and early March for a wedding where they came in contact with an individual that tested positive.

The couple left SPI a few days after returning from Idaho on about March 11. They were recently diagnosed in Michigan, where they live.

“We are in the process of gathering information to include contacts that may have possibly been exposed to ensure that we contain it,” stated Esmeralda Guajardo, Health Administrator in the release. “Fortunately, based on the information we have received thus far, the two individuals took proactive measures and home-isolated themselves after their return trip from Idaho until they left South Padre Island.”

The release from Cameron County adds the health department is working with South Padre Island officials to ensure the property they resided in is disinfected, adding the property had no elevator, decreasing the risk to others.

A release from South Padre Island reads as follows:

The Cameron County Public Health has confirmed that a couple from Michigan who vacationed at South Padre Island have tested positive for COVID-19 after traveling to Idaho for a wedding.

A husband and wife in their late 60s recently stayed on the Island for a few months and returned home to Michigan around March 11, 2020. While staying on the Island, the couple traveled to Idaho for a wedding where they were in contact with someone who had tested positive for COVID-19. Upon returning home, the couple’s symptoms worsened and were tested and diagnosed in Michigan.

The City of South Padre Island and Cameron County are working together to safeguard the community.

A COVID-19 Hotline has been established for the public, it can be reached at (956) 247-3650.

Cameron County Judge Eddie Treviño, Jr. will be having a press conference Thursday.