El Paso health officials Friday night reported the first confirmed case of the coronavirus in the area.

The man in his 40s has a history of recent domestic travel, officials said. He is recovering at home in self-quarantine.

Officials confirmed the case at an 8 p.m. news conference at the El Paso City-County Office of Emergency Management at 6055 Threadgill Ave.

Officials said they conducted the test Friday and it was confirmed positive later in the day. They said three tests were conducted Friday, and one came back positive.

The man went to seek medical help, but officials would not say where.

The test was performed at the city of El Paso Department of Public Health Laboratory.

Officials could not say when people who came in contact with the man would be notified and tested. They said an investigation will determine whom he has been in contact with.

They would not say which part of town the man lives in, saying they wanted to protect his privacy.

More:Map shows coronavirus cases in Texas, Louisiana, New Mexico, beyond

Mayor Dee Margo said the news conference was held Friday night because earlier that day officials had said no one had tested positive, but they later learned of the positive test result and wanted to inform the public.

However, he said officials would not hold news conferences for each future case.

Veronica Escobar responds to first case of coronavirus in El Paso

U.S. Rep. Veronica Escobar told the El Paso Times on Friday night: "The best course of action for all of us is to follow the CDC’s guidance. El Pasoans should exercise caution and avoid large groups, monitor their health, and if they feel sick they should stay home. Tonight, here in Congress we will pass legislation that will help ease the financial burden on American families that will arise from illness."

She added, "Next week, I’ll be in El Paso meeting with community leaders to discuss additional support the federal government can provide."

State officials also are taking steps to help.

Members of the El Paso delegation in the state Legislature are talking with El Paso Independent School District officials to learn their concerns related to COVID-19 and come up with ideas for the upcoming weeks, Speaker Pro Tem Joe Moody, an El Paso state representative, said in a text Friday.

He said the officials plan to discuss topics including food availability for students, plans for when students return and scheduled testing in April.

YISD responds to the El Paso coronavirus case

Ysleta Independent School District tweeted Friday night after confirmation of the first presumptive positive case.

Nearly all El Paso area school districts have extended spring break over coronavirus concerns.

Older adults, ill people face greater risk of coronavirus

A city news release said preliminary information about COVID-19 shows that about 80% of the cases are mild and most people do not need hospitalization.

However, older adults and people with underlying health conditions such as heart disease, lung disease and diabetes are at a greater risk of complications, it said.

More:El Paso coronavirus preparations: Here are the latest updates on COVID-19

“It is important that our community realize that the COVID-19 virus is not an airborne disease and it requires a mode of transmission such as a cough or sneeze,” Dr. Hector Ocaranza of the City/County Health Authority said in the news release. “The Department of Public Health and our partnering agencies in West Texas have been preparing for the arrival of COVID-19 since it was first identified in China and began spreading to other countries. Planning has been going on continuously for laboratory testing, public health investigation and isolation and care for people who test positive.”

Department of Public Health officials urges people to stay informed through the city and the department's social media accounts and by visiting www.EPHealth.com.

Residents also can call the 211 Texas Information and Referral Center 24 hours a day and select option 1.

Officials said the virus is most commonly spread through coughing and sneezing, personal contact, such as shaking hands, or touching a virus-contaminated surface, then touching eyes, nose or mouth.

How to help prevent the virus' spread

Health care officials urge people to:

Wash their hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. If soap and water are not available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer.

Avoid touching their eyes, nose or mouth with unwashed hands.

Avoid close contact with people who are sick.

Stay home when they are sick.

Cover coughs or sneezes with a tissue, then throw the tissue in the trash.

Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces.

Call local providers or hospitals before seeking treatment if they are showing signs and symptoms of COVID-19. People who feel they might have the virus need to give health care providers a warning so safety precautions can be taken before their arrival to help prevent the infection of health care workers and others at the facility.

Aaron Montes may be reached at 915-546-6137; amontes@elpasotimes.com; @aaronmontes91 on Twitter.

Eleanor Dearman may be reached at 361-244-0047; edearman@elpasotimes.com; @EllyDearman on Twitter.