A local with a suspected case of the Coronavirus is being investigated by the Brazos County Health District.
A Texas A&M student, who spent time in the region where the virus originated, went to an emergency room Wednesday night with symptoms.
Dr. Eric Wilke with the Health District gave an update on the status of the patient.
“He had mild symptoms. And again, we are not confirming that he has the disease in question. But is it just routine monitoring of the patient and routine contacts,” Wilke said in the press conference on Wednesday.
He says that the CDC should be receiving a sample from the student to learn if he contracted the virus. If confirmed, contact tracing begins and contacts will be monitored.
It is not known if the student, who is isolated, lives on or off campus or if he attended classes after returning from the country.
“Texas A&M was made aware yesterday [Wednesday] evening as well, speaking with the physician in charge of their disaster preparedness. So, they are monitoring the situation as well,” said Wilke.
Officials with Texas A&M say the risk to the campus community is low and students with any questions or concerns were directed to student health services.
Wilke says to stay aware of your symptoms, since it is flu season, but says this is no cause for panic.
“I think general principles are still important. If you are ill with an upper-respiratory illness, it is probably best to isolate yourself, just to prevent making others sick…at this time, there does not seem to be anything of concern. It needs to be very closely watched, but nothing that seems out of the ordinary or cause for concern at this point,” Wilke said.
Anyone who has traveled to the Chinese region and has flu like symptoms is asked to contact the health department.
