Rep. McAdams now ‘virus-free’ after tough battle with coronavirus

Rep. Ben McAdams (D-Utah), the second lawmaker on Capitol Hill to test positive for the coronavirus, says he is now “virus-free.”

McAdams said that he lost 13 pounds during his hospital stay but that he is now “back on my feet and back at work.” 

“It hit me really hard. But I’m doing so much better right now. I’m virus-free,” McAdams told ABC News. “They told me I can be out of quarantine. I still am practicing social distancing and remaining isolated, but I’m doing so much better.”

McAdams, who is in the middle of a fierce reelection fight, tested positive for the coronavirus on March 18, becoming the second lawmaker to come down with the virus.

He began having symptoms after flying home to Salt Lake City from Washington and began his self-quarantine but was hospitalized after having trouble breathing and coming down with a fever of 104 degrees. 

The Utah Democrat said his experience with COVID-19 underscored the seriousness with which all Americans should approach the illness.

“I’m young, I’m 45 years old, I’m healthy, I exercise every day, and it hit me really hard,” he said. “Please take this seriously and follow the guidance of our public health officials. If not for your sake, do it for your friends or your loved ones who you might expose, or just be a part of slowing the spread of, this dangerous virus — flattening the curve so we can treat those people who it does hit hard. Because it could happen to anyone.”

McAdams, who is now working from home, also urged Congress to work in an “isolated fashion” and pass legislation “making sure the relief is available to hardworking families.”

Rep. Mario Diaz-Balart (R-Fla.) was the first lawmaker to come down with the virus.