Texas A&M student thought to have Coronavirus tests negative, officials said

The Aggie student who was said to have been a carrier of the novel coronavirus last week returned negative test results, according to a new release.

On Jan. 23, the Brazos County Health District reported that the individual had met Centers for Disease Control criteria for further testing and evaluation after being treated at an area hospital. Texas A&M verified that the individual is a graduate student. Students and the community were not expected to be a risk.

Samples sent to the CDC in Atlanta for testing were returned with negative results on Jan. 26, the release said.

"We are very pleased with this news and grateful to those community caregivers involved for their expertise, proactive action and compassion demonstrated in treating our student," said Dr. Martha Dannenbaum, director of A&M's Student Health Services. "We wish to thank the Brazos County Health District, which offered guidance and transparency throughout this case."

Chris Meyer, associate vice president for Safety and Security for Texas A&M said the collaboration among local, state and national officials was "immensely helpful in fulfilling our mission of keeping the campus community safe."

Officials encourage the campus community to continue to be vigilant and sensible by taking basic hygiene precautions, including washing hands in soap and water; sneezing into an elbow; and covering a cough, the release stated.

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