Costa Rica Confirms First Coronavirus Case (US Tourist)

Costa Rica' ministry of health reported the first person infected by Coronavirus in the country today, Saturday.

The infected woman was identified as a US tourist who came on a trip to Costa Rica.

Minister Daniel Salas, Costa Rica Health Minister revealed that the 49-year-old woman contracted the deadly virus before she came to Costa Rica on March 1.

Salas added that the woman is now at strict isolation in a hotel in Costa Rica's capital San Jose with her husband.

The minister pointed out that her husband had been in contact with other people who were tested positive for Coronavirus in New York state.

"The husband has not manifested symptoms. The lady has, but they are very mild flu symptoms, diarrhea, and abdominal pain," the minister told a news conference hosted jointly with President Carlos Alvarado.

During a press conference hosted jointly with Carlos Alvarado, Costa Rica president,  Salas stated that the infected woman had traveled to the country's Pacific coast. After that, she went to Northern Costa Rica before she appeared to be infected with the virus. 

The five people who had close contact with the woman and her husband have been submitted to tests, according to the minister.

“The first positive case does not mean there is sustained transmission from person-to-person in Costa Rica,” Salas said, "It is not necessary to suspend mass gatherings, classes or similar."