COVID-19 UPDATE 9:30 p.m. Wednesday, March 18, 2020

In light of the first COVID-19 diagnosis in Teton County, WY, public officials from the Teton County Health Department, St. John's Health, and other agencies are emphasizing the importance of continued community mitigation measures to manage the severity and duration of this illness in Teton County.

Local officials were notified late Wednesday by the Wyoming Department of Health that an adult male, over the age of 60, and living in Teton County, has tested positive for COVID-19. The test was performed at the Wyoming Public Health Laboratory, which is part of the Wyoming Department of Health. He contacted his provider due to flu-like symptoms and was evaluated via a telehealth visit before being tested. He self-isolated after he became ill and continues to self-isolate at home while being monitored by health officials.

"Though this is our first case, we do not expect it will be our last. I encourage community members to stay vigilant with protective measures as we work together to minimize the spread of this illness in Teton County and the region," said Travis Riddell, MD, Teton District Health Officer.

"We are hopeful that this individual will make a fast and full recovery, and our first priorities will be to ensure he receives the care he needs, to monitor his close contacts for symptoms, and to work closely with him to identify and evaluate other individuals who may have had exposure," said Jodie Pond, Director of the Teton County Health Department. The Wyoming Department of Health will lead the contact investigation process.

The Teton County case is the 18th in Wyoming in five counties.

Earlier on Wednesday, the City of Cheyenne reported one adult female tested positive.

F.E. Warren Air Force Base reported the other case via their Facebook Page stating, There is one positive case of COVID-19 of an adult, military member assigned to F.E. Warren Air Force Base, Wyoming.

The member had just returned from out of state. To limit exposure to others, the individual followed all prescribed precautions, self-isolated and sought out medical attention in the local area immediately upon their return and never came onto base.

There are currently cases in the following counties -- Teton (1), Park (1), Laramie (4), Fremont (8) and Sheridan (4)