Sixth member of Congress presumed to have coronavirus

Small Business Committee Chairwoman Nydia Velazquez had not taken a test for the virus but is presumed to be infected after developing symptoms.

By Alex Nitzberg

Published: March 30, 2020 4:01pm

Updated: March 30, 2020 5:42pm

New York Democratic Rep. Nydia Velazquez (D-NY) said Monday that she is presumed to have contracted the coronavirus, though she has not taken a test to confirm that diagnosis.

The chairwoman of the House Small Business Committee began experiencing symptoms on Sunday and was diagnosed over the phone by a doctor.

"I developed the abrupt onset of muscle aches, fevers, nasal congestion and stomach upset," she said in a statement. "I noticed that I could no longer smell my perfume or taste my food. After speaking with the attending physician by phone, I was diagnosed with presumed coronavirus infection."

Velazquez described her symptoms as "mild" and said she will work while isolated at home.

"At the present time and I am taking Tylenol for fever, and isolating myself at my home," she also said. "Neither COVID-19 laboratory testing nor a doctor's office visit was recommended. "

If Velazquez does test positive, that would make her the sixth lawmaker to have coronavirus. Others include Sen. Rand Paul (R-KY), Rep. Joe Cunningham (D-SC), Rep. Mario Diaz-Balart (R-FL), Rep. Mike Kelly (R-PA), and Rep. Ben McAdams (D-UT).