Arizona resident is 5th confirmed case of coronavirus in US

Officials say a Maricopa County resident has been diagnosed with the coronavirus.

PHOENIX - Officials say a Maricopa County resident has been diagnosed with the coronavirus.

According to the Arizona Department of Health Services, the patient recently returned from Wuhan, China and is a member of the Arizona State University community who does not live in university housing.

Officials with ASU released a statement, saying in part, "This individual resides in Tempe. This individual does not live in university housing, is not severely ill and is currently in isolation to keep the illness from spreading."

Officials are working to identify anyone who may have been exposed while the person in question was infectious. Anyone identified as being exposed will be contacted directly and will be monitored for fever and respiratory symptoms.

"While the immediate risk of the 2019 Novel Coronavirus to the general public is believed to be low at this time, ADHS and our county public health partners will continue to actively monitor for the disease," said Dr. Cara Christ, ADHS director. "There are simple daily precautions that everyone should always take to prevent the spread of diseases."

A medical professional who has chosen to stay anonymous says the student traveled to China from December 14th to January 11th and visited the marketplace in question in Wuhan. "He flew back and had signs of fever (and a) cough," our source says. We put him into a negative pressure room and took all precautions as if he had coronavirus."

CONTINUING COVERAGE: fox10phoenix.com/coronavirus

After getting tested, our source says he was released, saying the move was irresponsible. The Arizona Department of Health Services and the university says the student is now in isolation but the question is where.

Health officials couldn't confirm which flight the student was on with us.

Anyone who has recently traveled to Wuhan, China and has developed fever with cough or shortness of breath within 14 days of travel to stay home and contact your healthcare provider immediately, health officials advise.

The best ways to prevent the spread of respiratory viruses are to:

Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. If soap and water are not available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer.
Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands.
Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
Stay home when you are sick.
Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then immediately throw the tissue in the trash.
Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces.

If you are a student and have recently traveled to Wuhan, China and have developed fever with cough or shortness of breath within 14 days of your travel, or have had contact with someone who is suspected to have 2019 Novel Coronavirus, stay home and contact ASU Health Services at 480-965-3349, the university advises.

More information and regular updates can be found at the following links: