A U.S. Navy soldier, stationed in Naples, Italy, tested positive on coronavirus on Friday, marking the first U.S. service member infected in Europe, United States European Command (EUCOM) said.
“The member is currently restricted to their residence, receiving supportive and medical care in accordance with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and host nation guidelines,” EUCOM said in a press release.
“Military health professionals are conducting a thorough contact investigation to determine whether any other personnel may have been exposed,” EUCOM said.
On Mar. 6, a U.S. Navy sailor stationed at Naval Support Activity Naples tested positive for the #Coronavirus (COVID-19), marking the first positive case of a U.S. service member in Europe: https://t.co/Bdmf0L82vM @USNavyEurope pic.twitter.com/V0KMbzG0HN
— U.S European Command (@US_EUCOM) March 7, 2020
Navy staff members who were in close contact with the contaminated sailor are being medically monitored and were asked to impose self-quarantine out of precaution.
“Personnel that the service member immediately identified having close contact with have been notified and are in self-isolation at their residence,” the statement said.
One day earlier, on Friday, the 31st Fighter Wing at Aviano Air Base in northern Italy ordered 134 people to keep themselves in isolation or quarantine and avoid any interpersonal contact as much as possible.
“U.S. European Command and U.S. Naval Forces Europe-Africa are committed to taking every measure possible to protect the health of our force. We remain in close coordination with Italian authorities, U.S. embassy, and public health authorities to ensure the well-being of our personnel and local population,” the release said.
The notice came just hours after another U.S. service member stationed in Kuwait was under investigation for the coronavirus after he returned from holidays in Italy, Fox News reported.
The soldier was also placed in isolation awaiting further test results. “Those with whom the soldier has had recent contact have also been screened in accordance with the current guidance from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention,” Navy Capt. Bill Urban, a U.S. Central Command spokesman said.
Of all European countries, Italy has been stricken the hardest, with nearly 200 coronavirus disease deaths and more than 4,636 people infected. Schools, theaters, and other places where many people come together have been closed until further notice.
