University of Kansas Hospital treating patient with coronavirus, officials say

A patient with COVID-19, caused by the coronavirus, has been admitted for treatment at the University of Kansas Hospital, hospital officials said Monday.

The patient is the same woman who Gov. Laura Kelly announced on Saturday was the first confirmed case in Kansas. At the time, health officials said the woman, under 50, was in isolation at her home.

In a press release, hospital officials said the patient is in a specially equipped area designed to prevent the virus from spreading “to other patients, visitors, staff and physicians.” A news conference is scheduled for later Monday, but hospital officials said they would not answer specific questions about the patient’s identity.

Also on Saturday, Missouri Gov. Mike Parson announced the state’s first positive case of COVID-19, which was reported in St. Louis County.

This story was originally published March 9, 2020 at 10:37 AM.

Lisa Gutierrez

The Kansas City Star

816-562-6832

Lisa Gutierrez has been a reporter for The Kansas City Star since 2000. She learned journalism at the University of Kansas, her alma mater. She writes about pop culture, local celebrities, trends and life in the metro through its people. Oh, and dogs. You can reach her at lgutierrez@kcstar.com or follow her on Twitter - @LisaGinKC.