Ventura County has first positive COVID-19 caseFree Access

Traveler was aboard cruise from San Francisco to Mexico


A microscopic view of the coronavirus. Courtesy of the CDC

Ventura County may have its first instance of COVID-19, the disease caused by the novel coronavirus.

County public health officials said today that a sample taken from a traveler who had been aboard the Grand Princess cruise ship in February tested positive in their lab March 5. The ship had journeyed from San Francisco to Mexico and back.

An elderly passenger aboard the same ship tested positive for COVID-19 in late February in Placer County, Calif., and died a few days later.

The Ventura County Public Health lab, one of 11 labs in the state able to conduct coronavirus testing, confirmed the preliminary positive results yesterday, the county said. The agency is now awaiting confirmation from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Public health officials said they’ve been in touch with all six Ventura County residents who were on the Princess Cruises’ Mexican cruise. One other is showing symptoms of the disease, while the four remaining—including the spouse of the individual who tested positive—have no symptoms, the county said.

The individual who tested positive for coronavirus entered the U.S. through the port of entry in San Francisco on Feb. 21. Because the ship’s destination was not on the list of at-risk destinations, the passengers were not under travel restrictions or health checks when they returned, the county said.

Once Princess Cruises learned of the elderly passenger’s death in Placer County, the company began notifying the other travelers. The California Department of Public Health informed Ventura County Public Health at 7:40 p.m. March 4 about the six local passengers.

“Ventura County Public Health quickly began contacting cruise travelers on the same evening,” the county said in a statement.

The passenger who ultimately tested positive had already been in contact with their primary doctor, the county said. According to the county, the doctor had the patient stay in their car at the curb when dropping off the specimen to limit any possible exposure to others.

The individual was not feeling well after the cruise and rested at home until leaving to seek medical attention, limiting the potential for spread, the county said.

VCPH is working with the state health department to provide notifications to anyone who may have been in contact with the patient while seeking medical attention or during transit to Ventura County from San Francisco.

The patient is under home quarantine with mild symptoms, the county said. The patient’s spouse was also on the cruise but has no symptoms. The spouse is also under home quarantine.

“There is no evidence of community transmission in Ventura County,” county Public Health Officer Dr. Robert Levin said in a statement. “This is a travel-related case.”

Despite the six cruise ship passengers, Levin said, the risk to the public remains lows. Worldwide, the fatality rate for those who contract COVID-19 is less than 3.5%, according to the World Health Organization. The vast majority of victims have been over the age of 70, the WHO said.

“Community members are encouraged to take the same steps they would take to help prevent colds and the flu,” Levin said. “Preparing for social distancing is still recommended.”

According to the California Department of Public Health, as of March 5 there were a total of 43 positive cases in California: 24 travel-related cases and 19 other confirmed cases.

This is the first positive case, pending CDC confirmation, in Ventura County.

As of March 6, there have been eight Ventura County residents tested, seven negative results, one pending result, 25 travelers with no symptoms on home quarantine and one traveler with no symptoms under quarantine at Naval Base Ventura County Point Mugu, the county said.

Symptoms of COVID-19 are similar to the flu, which include fever, cough and shortness of breath. Symptoms may appear in as few as two days or up to 14 days after exposure.

“If you are presenting symptoms of COVID-19 and may have had contact with a person with COVID-19 or had recent international travel, please contact your healthcare provider,” the county said. “Before seeking medical care, consult with your provider first to prevent possible transmission in the healthcare setting.”

For the latest updates, go to vcemergency.com or text COVID19 to 211211 to receive text updates to your phone. The county has also set up a coronavirus hotline at (805) 465-6650.

Recommendations for the public

Take these precautions to stop the spread of germs and prevent respiratory illnesses like COVID-19:
-Wash hands with soap and water and rub for at least 20 seconds.
-Cover your mouth and nose when coughing or sneezing.
-Stay home if you are sick.
-Get a flu shot to protect yourself and others from the flu, which has similar symptoms to COVID-19.