Autopsies Show First US Coronavirus Deaths Occurred in California

The first coronavirus-related deaths in the United States may have taken place in California, not Washington state.

Santa Clara County health officials announced Tuesday that three people who died at home in February and March tested positive from coronavirus during their autopsies.

Two of the three California deaths took place on Feb. 6 and Feb. 17. It was previously believed that the first U.S. victim of the virus was a Washington state man who died on Feb. 29.

The third victim died on March 6. 

“These three individuals died at home during a time when very limited testing was available only through the CDC,” the county said in a statement. “Testing criteria set by the CDC at the time-restricted testing to only individuals with a known travel history and who sought medical care for specific symptoms.”

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