Crawford County Public Health was notified March 24, 2020 of a positive test result for COVID-19, the contagious virus that began in China in December and has spread worldwide. The individual that tested positive for COVID-19 is in their mid-60’s, is currently isolated at home, and is under the care of their family physician.
Kate Siefert, Health Commissioner, wants to emphasize, “We will not be releasing any additional demographic information relating to this case. We want to protect the privacy of this individual during this time of illness and Crawford County Public Health nurses are conducting contact tracing and will be in touch with any individuals that were within 6 feet of distance for 15 minutes or more.
Officials knew it was “only a matter of time” until the novel Coronavirus reached Crawford County, and are anticipating more confirmed cases in the coming weeks. At this time, everyone should be following the Governor’s orders to stay at home as much as possible, practicing social distancing to help slow the spread of the virus and taking precautions to protect themselves by washing their hands often, covering their coughs and sneezes, and doing their best to avoid touching their faces with unwashed hands.
Symptoms of COVID-19 are similar to influenza (flu) and other viral illnesses. The most common symptoms of COVID-19 typically appear 2-14 days after exposure and include:
Fever, greater than or equal to 100.4 degrees Fahrenheit
· Body aches
· Dry Cough
· Shortness of breath
People at risk of having severe illness from COVID-19 include those with heart disease, kidney disease, diabetes, those that are immune-compromised, and the elderly. If you are seriously ill, seek medical attention from your health care provider or the Emergency Department.
This is a rapidly evolving event. Crawford County residents with questions about COVID-19 can call the Avita Health System Coronavirus Information Hotline, open daily 9:00am – 6:00pm at (419)468-0800 or the Ohio Department of Health call center at 1-833-427-5634, open daily 9:00am -8:00pm.