SALT LAKE CITY (AP) — A Utah congressman who has the new coronavirus was hospitalized over the weekend, and a state lawmaker was also diagnosed with the disease.
Democratic U.S. Rep. Ben McAdams was treated with oxygen in an isolation unit after suffering severe shortness of breath Friday evening, he said in a statement. Afterward, he reported feeling “relatively better” and said he expected to be released from the hospital as soon as his doctors allow.
Meanwhile, Democratic state Sen. Luz Escamilla was separately diagnosed with COVID-19 Friday evening. She has experienced symptoms and is quarantined along with her family, she said late Sunday.
“As someone who has asthma, this is a scary diagnosis, but I am confident that I will make a full recovery,” she said in a statement, adding that she is still working on behalf of people affected by the crisis as she recovers.
The capitol was cleaned and disinfected after lawmakers finished their work on March 12, said Senate President Stuart Adams as he sent best wishes to Escamilla and her family. Staffers have been working remotely since then and the building has been closed to the public.
Salt Lake City Council Member Darin Mano has also been diagnosed with the illness.
For most people, the new coronavirus causes only mild or moderate symptoms, such as fever and cough. For some, especially older adults and people with existing health problems, it can cause more severe illness, including pneumonia. The vast majority of people recover from the new virus. According to the World Health Organization, people with mild illness recover in about two weeks, while those with more severe illness may take three weeks to six weeks to recover.
COVID-19 information resources
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
- World Health Organization
- Utah Department of Health
- Intermountain Healthcare
Written by By LINDSAY WHITEHURST, Associated Press.
Copyright 2022 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.