TOPEKA, Kan. — Topeka Mayor and former congressional candidate Michelle De La Isla was diagnosed with COVID-19 last week and will be out of the office while she recovers from her illness.
The mayor said in a news release Tuesday that community spread in Topeka is high and her diagnosis proves that no matter how careful you are you can still get this virus.
She says she came in contact with the virus through a family member who is an essential worker.
De La Isla was the Democratic nominee for the Kansas District 2 seat in the U.S. House of Representatives, losing to Republican Jake LaTurner in November.
LaTurner was pulled from the Electoral College vote Jan. 6 after he tested positive for COVID-19.
Deputy Mayor Tony Emerson will run Tuesday night’s city council meeting in Topeka until a new deputy mayor is elected.
41 Action News Digital Content Producer Tod Palmer contributed to this report.
