PORT ARTHUR, Texas — The Port Arthur Health Department confirmed the city's first positive case of COVID-19 Thursday evening.
Officials say the person is a Port Arthur resident between the ages of 40-50. The health department says they're "conducting an epidemiological investigation and is working closely to identify close contacts of the individual."
On Friday, the City of Port Arthur reported two additional cases of positive test results. The health departments said the individuals are Port Arthur residents. Both of their cases are travel related and their age range is between 28-38, according to a Port Arthur City Health Department news release. The health department didn't provide further information regarding gender.
Port Arthur has three known cases of COVID-19 as of March 27.
MORE | Port Arthur news release
Coronavirus symptoms
The symptoms of coronavirus can be similar to the flu or a bad cold. Symptoms include a fever, cough and shortness of breath, according to the Centers for Disease Control.
Most healthy people will have mild symptoms. A study of more than 72,000 patients by the Centers for Disease Control in China showed 80 percent of the cases there were mild.
But infections can cause pneumonia, severe acute respiratory syndrome, kidney failure and even death, according to the World Health Organization. Older people with underlying health conditions are most at risk.
The CDC believes symptoms may appear anywhere from two to 14 days after being exposed.
Human coronaviruses are usually spread through...
• The air by coughing or sneezing
• Close personal contact, such as touching or shaking hands
• Touching an object or surface with the virus on it, then touching your mouth, nose or eyes before washing your hands.
Help stop the spread of coronavirus
• Stay home when you are sick.
• Eat and sleep separately from your family members
• Use different utensils and dishes
• Cover your cough or sneeze with your arm, not your hand.
• If you use a tissue, throw it in the trash
Lower your risk
• 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.
• Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces.
• If you are 60 or over and have an underlying health condition such as cardiovascular disease, diabetes or respiratory illnesses like asthma or COPD, the World Health Organization advises you to try to avoid crowds or places where you might interact with people who are sick.