On March 6, 2020, the Pennsylvania Department of Health (DOH) was notified of two presumptive positive 2019 novel coronavirus (COVD-19) cases in Wayne County and Delaware County. These are the first two known instances of COVID-19 in Pennsylvania.
Summary Points
- The first two Pennsylvania cases of COVID-19 were identified on 3/6/2020 in residents of Wayne County and Delaware County. The cases are unrelated
- As of 3/6/2020, there is no evidence of community transmission of COVID-19 in Pennsylvania
- Clinical suspicion of COVID-19 should be based on both clinical and epidemiological criteria
- Call 1-877-PA-HEALTH (1-877-724-3258) or your local health department if you suspect COVID-19
- Testing for COVID-19 is available at DOH and at commercial laboratories as they come online
The case-patients are residents of Wayne County and Delaware County. The two cases are not related. One case-patient traveled to a country with a Level 3 Health Alert, and the other case- patient was a close contact of a confirmed case in another state. As of 3/6/2020, there is no evidence of community transmission of COVID-19 in Pennsylvania. No additional cases have been detected at this time. DOH is working to identify and notify close contacts of the case- patients.
When assessing patients for COVID-19, it is important to consider both clinical and epidemiological criteria. Symptoms of COVID-19 include fever or signs/symptoms of lower respiratory illness (e.g., cough, shortness of breath). Epidemiological criteria include travel to an area with sustained community transmission or close contact with a confirmed case.
Testing for COVID-19 is available at DOH and at commercial laboratories as they come online. If COVID-19 is suspected, contact DOH at 1-877-PA-HEALTH (1-877-724-3258) or your local health department to facilitate consultation and to assist with testing, diagnosis, and tracking of close contacts.
Originally released by the Pennsylvania Department of Health on March 6, 2020.
