Genetic clues hint at hidden virus cases in Washington state

Mar 02, 20200

Alan Berner – Seattle Times count

Dr. Francis Riedo, medical director of infection control at EvergreenHealth Hospital in King County, Wash., took questions at a news conference on Saturday, Feb. 29, 2020. Washington Gov. Jay Inslee declared a state of emergency Saturday, after a King County resident became the first fatality in the U.S. from the coronavirus, and two people at a long-term care facility in Kirkland tested positive for the virus.

SEATTLE - The coronavirus may have been circulating for weeks undetected in Washington state, a preliminary finding that could mean hundreds of undiagnosed cases, researchers said Sunday after analyzing the genetic sequences of viruses from two people.

Washington state, home of the nation's first confirmed infection, has seen eight confirmed cases, including the nation's first death from the virus this weekend.

http://www.startribune.com/officials-seek-to-calm-public-as-new-us-virus-cases-reported/568372542/?refresh=true