St. Paul, MN (KROC-AM News) - Minnesota’s third presumptive case of illness from the new coronavirus (COVID-19) involves an Anoka County resident who is currently hospitalized in critical condition.

The Minnesota Department of Health says the positive test result involves a person in their 30s who was likely exposed through contact with international travelers. Officials say the patient developed symptoms on February 28th and sought healthcare on Monday. Samples from the individual have also been sent to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention for confirmation. As of Tuesday afternoon, the state had tested 135 people for the new viral illness.

As was the case with Minnesota’s two previous presumptive coronavirus cases in Ramsey and Carver Counties, the state health department is working with local health officials and healthcare providers to identify everyone who may have come into contact with the infected person. Those individuals will be asked to quarantine themselves for two weeks to see if they develop symptoms.

Iowa has reported 8 confirmed coronavirus cases while Wisconsin currently has 3. One of those cases involves a person in Pierce County across the Mississippi River from Red Wing and Hastings.

Health officials again stressed the importance of all Minnesotans continuing to do those things that can limit the spread of the coronavirus:

  • Stay home and away from others if you are sick.
  • Cover your coughs and sneezes with your elbow or a tissue.
  • Wash your hands frequently for 20 seconds with soap and water.
  • Avoid touching your face throughout the day.

The virus that causes COVID-19 is spread primarily by respiratory droplets when an infected person coughs or sneezes, similar to how influenza is spread. It can also spread when people touch surfaces that have been contaminated by an infected person and then touch their eyes, nose or mouth.

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