Hospital Releases First American With New Virus

The man who became the first US patient infected with the new virus from China has left the hospital and said in a statement that he is getting better and looking forward to life returning to normal, according to a statement from the man provided Monday to the AP. The 35-year-old man thanked his doctors, nurses and other staff at Providence Regional Medical Center in Everett, Washington, about 30 miles north of Seattle, according to the statement. The unidentified man fell sick after returning home from a visit to China and was admitted to the hospital on Jan. 20. He was still there as of last Friday and is now in isolation at home, monitored by officials with the Snohomish Health District in coordination with the hospital.

"I am at home and continuing to get better," the man said. "I ask that the media please respect my privacy and my desire not to be in the public eye." The patient added: "I appreciate all of the concern expressed by members of the public, and I look forward to returning to my normal life." The hospital has been coordinating with US, state and local health officials about the man's care. The hospital declined to provide information about when he was discharged or the process of his discharge from the hospital.

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