Dubois County Officials Confirm County's First Presumptive Positive Case of COVID-19

FROM THE DUBOIS COUNTY HEALTH DEPARTMENT 

#NEW -- UPDATED: COVID-19 Situation Report and Guidance

Dubois County Health Department announced March 22, the first presumptive positive case of novel coronavirus (COVID-19) in Dubois County.  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.  
The main focus is to avoid exposure to the virus.  

PLEASE Continue to wash your hands often with soap and water, avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth, practice social distancing of at least 6 feet away from others, and stay home as much as possible.  

If you think you have been exposed to COVID-19 and develop a fever and symptoms such as cough or difficulty breathing, call your healthcare provider or the Memorial Hospital and Health Care Center Alternative Screening Site at 812.996.6330.  

Hours of operation include Monday through Sunday from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m.

As the situation of Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) continues to change rapidly, our top priority remains the health, safety, and well-being of our community.

ORIGINAL STORY 

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.  We ask our residents to be calm and focus on doing their part to mitigate the spread of this virus.  The Dubois County Health Department’s highest concern is for the health and well being of everyone in our county.  We continue to work timelessly for all of you, “said Dr. Ted Waflart, Dubois County Health Officer.

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 isolated.  No additional information about the patient will be released due to privacy laws.

Human coronaviruses 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.

The Indiana State Department of Health (ISDH) will provide updates as new information becomes available. Visit the ISDH website at in.gov/coronavirus for the most up-to-date information on COVID-19 in Indiana.