U.S. couple diagnosed with coronavirus infection discharged
CGTN
Dr. Terry Mason (L), chief operating officer of the Cook County Department of Public Health, looks on as Dr. Ngozi Ezike, director of the Illinois Department of Public Health, discusses the second confirmed case of a new virus in Illinois during a press conference at the Thompson Center, January 30, 2020/ AP Photo

Dr. Terry Mason (L), chief operating officer of the Cook County Department of Public Health, looks on as Dr. Ngozi Ezike, director of the Illinois Department of Public Health, discusses the second confirmed case of a new virus in Illinois during a press conference at the Thompson Center, January 30, 2020/ AP Photo

A couple from the U.S. state of Illinois, both in their 60s, were reportedly released from Amita Health St. Alexius Medical Center Hoffman Estates on Thursday. 

The woman was diagnosed with a coronavirus infection after traveling to Wuhan. She was the first patient infected with coronavirus in Illinois. Her husband was the first case in the U.S. for human to human transmission of the illness. The husband, according to health officials, had not made the trip to China with his wife.

The woman and her husband were treated in isolation at the hospital.

Hospital officials announced on Friday that the patients were released "under guidance" of experts from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the Illinois Department of Public Health, according to hospital officials. The husband and wife are being observed under "home isolation."

"The couple will remain at home with daily monitoring by public health officials until CDC provides clearance that they can leave their home," said Melaney Arnold, spokeswoman for the state health department. She also pointed out that public health officials are still learning about the virus, and their guidance might change as new information comes along.

U.S. officials have declared the novel coronavirus as a public health emergency, but health experts said the likelihood of contracting the disease is still low in Illinois, and right now the flu, which has killed more than 10, 000 in the country, is a bigger threat to most Americans.

(With input from agencies)