Pentagon reports first known coronavirus case in service member

The Pentagon reported its first positive coronavirus case of a service member stationed at the building, a U.S. Defense Official confirmed Wednesday. 

A U.S. Marine stationed at the Pentagon tested positive for COVID-19 on Tuesday, the Department of Defense spokesperson Lt. Col. Thomas Campbell said in a statement. 

The Marine is in isolation at home and will undergo further assessment by health professionals. His last day in the Pentagon was March 13. 

“The Marine followed U.S. Centers for Disease Control guidelines and DoD directives by isolating himself when an immediate family member began to show symptoms. Once he became ill, he contacted his assigned medical facility,” Campbell said. 

A Pentagon response team cleaned the Marine’s workspace and a “thorough contact investigation” is underway, he added. 

The confirmed positive case was first reported by Defense One.

There have been previous cases confirmed of an active-duty airman and Air Force contractor who visited the Pentagon in recent weeks.

Updated: 7:51 p.m.