VDH: U.S. Marine tests positive for coronavirus, first Va. case

This scanning electron microscope image shows SARS-CoV-2 (yellow)—also known as 2019-nCoV, the virus that causes COVID-19—isolated from a patient in the U.S., emerging from the surface of cells (pink) cultured in the lab. Credit: NIAID-RML

by: Nicole Brailer

Posted: Mar 7, 2020 / 08:17 PM EST

Updated: Mar 9, 2020 / 02:32 PM EDT

FAIRFAX, Va. (WAVY) — Virginia health officials confirmed Saturday night that a U.S. Marine tested positive for the coronavirus.

Assistant to the Secretary of Defense for Public Affairs says that the Marine recently returned home from official business overseas. He is being treated at Fort Belvoir Community Hospital.

Virginia Gov. Northam tweeted about the recent updates, reminding Virginians to take basic health precautions.

We are working closely with federal, military, and local partners to respond to a COVID-19 case at Ft. Belvoir. The risk to Virginians remains low, but please continue to stay aware and take basic health precautions.
— Ralph Northam (@GovernorVA) March 8, 2020