Hays County reported its first presumptive case of the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) on Saturday, March 14, according to a county press release. Health officials have begun the process to test the patient for COVID-19.
The patient was admitted to a local hospital, having reportedly contacted the disease during travel to multiple cities along the West Coast of the U.S., and is currently recovering in self-isolation at their residence. According to Hays County officials, the patient did not expose themselves to anyone in Hays County.
The Hays County Local Health Department is working with the Department of State Health Services and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention to notify the passengers that were potentially exposed while on the plane with the patient.
Hays County Judge Ruben Becerra said he expects to see confirmed cases in Hays County due to COVID-19’s pandemic designation, but states that Hays County is coordinating with state and local officials to prepare.
“As this is a pandemic disease, we fully expected to see cases in Hays County and have been preparing for this situation,” Becerra said. “We have been working with local and state officials to ensure that protocols are established and followed, and that we have access to additional resources should they be necessary.”
According to Hays County Epidemiologist Eric Schneider, individuals who contract the disease will develop a low to moderate fever, cough and congestion, citing that most individuals with these symptoms should self-quarantine until they are fever-free without the use of fever-reducing medications for 48 hours.
March 13, Gov. Greg Abbott declared a state disaster for all counties, including Hays County, as COVID-19 has been confirmed in every Texas metropolitan city.
On March 9, nine Texas State students and a professor were reported to be in self-quarantine in adherence with “stricter guidelines” concerning the containment of students who may have been exposed to COVID-19.
The University Star’s COVID-19 coverage can be found here.
Individuals concerned they may have been exposed to COVID-19  are encouraged to contact their healthcare provider or the Hays County Local Health Department at 512.393.5520. For additional information about COVID-19, visit the Texas Department of State Health Services or the Centers for Disease Control website.
The University Star will continue to update this story as details develop.