PIMA COUNTY, March 15, 2020 — The Pima County Health Department has identified a third (3rd) presumptive positive COVID-19 case. The individual is an older adult currently recovering in an area hospital. The Health Department immediately began an investigation to identify close contacts and recommend actions to prevent further spread. This case marks the first positive result in Pima County as a result of commercial testing performed by a private laboratory. A sample also will be sent to the Arizona State Public Health Laboratory for confirmation. COVID-19 spreads through the air when an infected person coughs or sneezes. Symptoms are thought to appear within 2 to 14 days after exposure and consist of fever, cough, runny nose, or difficulty breathing. Those considered at highest risk for contracting the virus are individuals with travel to an area where the virus is spreading, or individuals in close contact with a person who is diagnosed as having COVID-19. The best ways to prevent the spread of respiratory viruses, including COVID-19, are to: Wash your 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 your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands.

Avoid close contact with people who are sick.

Stay home when you are sick.

Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then immediately throw the tissue in the trash.

Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces. Public health officials advise residents that flu and other respiratory diseases are circulating in the community, and are recommending everyone get a flu shot and follow basic prevention guidelines. If you have recently traveled to an area where COVID-19 is circulating, and have developed fever with cough or shortness of breath within 14 days of your travel, or have had contact with someone who is suspected to have 2019 novel coronavirus, please stay home. Most people with COVID-19 develop mild symptoms. If you have mild symptoms, please do not seek medical care, but do stay home and practice social distancing from others in the household where possible. If you do have shortness of breath or more severe symptoms, please call your health care provider to get instructions before arriving. For updated case counts and more information about COVID-19, visit www.pima.gov/COVID19 or, for general information call (520) 626-6016 to speak with a health professional.