California reports its first coronavirus death

The first coronavirus death in California was reported in Placer County by health officials on Wednesday, March 4. The first coronavirus death in California was reported in Placer County by health officials on Wednesday, March 4. Photo: Alacatr/Getty Images/iStockphoto Photo: Alacatr/Getty Images/iStockphoto Image 1 of / 45 Caption Close California reports its first coronavirus death 1 / 45 Back to Gallery

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California health officials reported the first death from COVID-19 in the state Wednesday.

The Placer County Health Department said in a statement the deceased is an elderly resident of the county with underlying health conditions.

The patient tested presumptively positive on Tuesday at a California lab and was likely exposed on a Princess cruise ship that traveled from San Francisco to Mexico, Feb. 11 to 21, health officials said. The patient was under treatment in isolation at Kaiser Permanente Roseville.

“We extend our deepest condolences to the loved ones of this patient,” said Placer County Health Officer Dr. Aimee Sisson. “While we have expected more cases, this death is an unfortunate milestone in our efforts to fight this disease, and one that we never wanted to see.

“While most cases of COVID-19 exhibit mild or moderate symptoms, this tragic death underscores the urgent need for us to take extra steps to protect residents who are particularly vulnerable to developing more serious illness, including elderly persons and those with underlying health conditions.”

An initial investigation reveals the patient had minimal exposure to the community between returning from the cruise and arriving at the hospital in an ambulance on Feb. 27. The investigation revealed 10 Kaiser Permanente healthcare workers and five emergency responders were exposed prior to the patient being put in isolation. They aren't exhibiting symptoms but are in quarantine.

"Other cruise passengers may have also been exposed," health officials said. "Placer County Public Health is working closely with Sacramento County Public Health and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention to identify and contact other cruise passengers."

This is the second confirmed case of novel coronavirus in the county.

Amy Graff is a digital editor with SFGATE. Email her: agraff@sfgate.com.

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