Second Sonoma County Cruise Passenger Tests Positive for Coronavirus

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Another Sonoma County resident who was on a Princess Cruise to Mexico in February has tested positive for the coronavirus.

The Sonoma County Department of Health Services says the patient is being treated at a local hospital. This brings to two the number of Sonoma County residents from the San Francisco to Mexico cruise who have tested positive for the virus. The positive test still has to be confirmed by the CDC.

The local Health Department has also received a list of 78 county residents who were on the February 11-21 cruise, and 25 passengers who boarded a shuttle from San Francisco to Sonoma County on the day the cruise returned, February 21st.

Those cruise passengers and shuttle passengers are being contacted, and their movements in the community traced to determine how many additional residents may have been exposed.

The 14 day period in which those exposed to the virus are at risk of developing symptoms comes to an end on Friday. The Health Department has issued a health alert informing local doctors and hospitals to watch for anyone who shows symptoms of the coronavirus, and to assist in testing if needed.

It’s not known how many passengers may have been exposed, or contracted the virus. So far most of the cases of the coronavirus worldwide have been mild, and a large majority of patients recover without serious complications. However the virus is considered very dangerous for those with compromised immune systems or with underlying health issues.

The Sonoma County Department of Health Services is actively notifying healthcare workers who may have had exposure to this new patient, and working to determine if any additional cruise passengers have exhibited symptoms of the virus. The county’s emergency management center is also assisting in the effort, and the 211 information system is now a resource for those seeking coronavirus information.

More information on prevention can also be found on the SoCo Emergency website at: https://socoemergency.org/emergency/coronavirus/

County agencies are working to locate anyone exposed to the latest patient, or other passengers who may have developed symptoms of the virus since their return almost two weeks ago.

Meanwhile, on Wednesday the state of California declared a coronavirus health emergency, and the first California coronavirus death was reported. That patient was also passenger on the Mexican cruise, and was being treated at a hospital in Placer County.

Health officials say the best preventative measures include washing hands frequently and well, avoid touching your face, nose and mouth, and, if you or anyone you know experiences serious symptoms to contact your doctor or healthcare provider immediately.

At a meeting before the Board of Supervisors Wednesday, Sonoma County Health Officer Dr. Celeste Philip briefed supervisors on the current coronavirus situation in Sonoma County.