SPRINGFIELD, Ill. — The first U.S. case of person-to-person spread of the coronavirus has been confirmed in Illinois.
“This person-to-person spread was between two people with very close contact. A Husband and wife. The virus is not spreading widely across the community at this time,” said Dr. Ngozi Ezike, Director of the Illinois Department of Public Health.
The patient is the husband of the Chicago woman who got sick after returning from a trip to China.
Ezike said 21 other Illinois residents are under investigation for the virus.
“I still want to reassure the public that we are actively monitoring these individuals. And, implementing transmission precautions, to minimize the risk of spread,” Ezike said.
The Chicago man is the sixth U.S. case of the coronavirus. Health experts say they expected additional cases, and at least some limited spread of the disease in the U.S.
