First COVID-19 case in Dubois County
Indiana Department of Health announced today the first presumptive positive case of novel coronavirus (COVID-19) in Dubois County.
The Dubois County Health Department has been expecting this and is prepared to respond, they said in a statement.
The Dubois County Health Department will initiate an investigation and notify ONLY close contact persons and businesses of the presumptive case in Dubois County. The Indiana COVID-19 Data Dashboard that is updated daily on the Indiana State Department of Health site reflects results of all testing that is done in the state. We anticipate total positive cases and total tested numbers to rise sharply in the coming weeks due to the increase in testing capacity. This is not a cause for panic. With careful action and precautions, we can alter the course seen in other countries around the world and even in other states that have been impacted.
“We ask our residents to be calm and focus on doing their part to mitigate the spread of this virus,” said Dr. Ted Waflart, Dubois County Health Officer. “The Dubois County Health Department’s highest concern is for the health and well being of everyone in our county. We continue to work tirelessly for all of you.”
Dubois County Health Department is working closely with the local and state officials to ensure that contacts of the patient are identified and monitored and that all infection control protocols are being followed.
The patient is in isolation. No additional information about the patient will be released due to privacy laws.
The total cases in Indiana have increased to 201 with four deaths. TheISDH reports that 1,494 tests have been administered across the state.
Human coronaviruses are most commonly spread from an infected person to others through:
- Respiratory droplets released into the air by coughing and sneezing;
- Close personal contact, such as touching or shaking hands;
- Touching an object or surface with the virus on it, then touching your mouth, nose, or eyes before washing your hands; and
- Rarely, fecal contamination.
The best way to protect yourself from any respiratory illness, including the flu, is to:
- Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. If soap and water are not available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer.
- Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands.
- Avoid close contact (within 6 feet) with people who are sick.
- Stay home when you are sick.
- Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then throw the tissue in the trash.
- Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces.
The CDC does not recommend that people who are well wear a facemask to protect themselves from respiratory illnesses, including COVID-19. You should only wear a mask if a healthcare professional recommends it. A facemask should be used by people who have COVID-19 and are showing symptoms to protect others from the risk of infection.
Sending prayers to whoever is affected by this virus. We all need to be safe and vigilant. Protect ourselves and others. Stay home if possible. Wash your hands wash your hands wash your hands. Practice social distancing!!!
Where has this patient been? You need to post this information so others who may have unknowingly had contact can be aware and possibly self isolate without symptoms out of caution to slow spread. They are not broadcasting necessary info. Anywhere in the u.s. and this does not help the spread.
Seems to me that in times like these, privacy laws should be set aside to make it easier to notify all who are impacted. What if the person who has contracted the covid 19 virus forgets even one person they have had contact with
Yes, if not specific ID at least the city/town if not the where/how it was contracted, if known. Related example – says “ONLY close contact persons and businesses” will be notified, but if it was a paper or mail-deliverer or similar, would all on his/her route be notified? More has come out about the virus on paper, cardboard, etc, and contrary to original thinking two or three weeks ago – was nominal if not negative at that time – this has been updated in last few days to be included for virus surviving for several hours to a day or so.
Can we get a list of public places this person has been in the last 2 weeks??
That would b great
sorry to hear this and sorry we are not allowed to have any more “information” I would like to know the places to avoid and where this person traveled in the county. I don’t care to know who it is .