VAN BUREN COUNTY, MI (WKZO AM/FM) — Health officials are confirming the first positive coronavirus cases in Van Buren County.
The Van Buren/Cass District Health Department was notified by the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services about the case on Tuesday.
The patient is a woman in her 60’s. She was reported in stable condition and is self-isolating at home.
On Wednesday, the latest numbers from the state show that there is also a second reported case in Van Buren County. Details were not released.
Medical Director at Van Buren/Cass District Health Department Larry Wile released a statement saying, “This is the first confirmed case in Van Buren County but judging from other areas of the state, we anticipate more positives. As of today, there is one (1) confirmed positive case of COVID-19 in Van Buren County, zero (0) cases in Cass County, and 1,791 positive cases in the state of Michigan. We urge all residents to please take all precautions to help mitigate the spread of COVID-19.”
The most up to date statewide numbers can be found here or at michigan.gov/coronavirus.
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Common symptoms of COVID-19 include mild to severe respiratory ailments such as:
- Fever
- Cough
- Shortness of breath
- Pneumonia
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reports that symptoms may appear in as few as 2 days or as long as 14 days after exposure.
The best prevention for viruses, such as influenza, the common cold or COVID-19 is to:
- Wash your hands often with soap and warm water for 20 seconds. If not available, use hand sanitizer.
- Avoid touching your eyes, nose, or mouth with unwashed hands.
- Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue or upper sleeve when coughing or sneezing.
- Avoid contact with people who are sick.
- If you are sick, stay home, and avoid contact with others.
- Replace handshakes with elbow bumps.
- Stay at least six feet away from others when in a public setting.
The MDHHS hotline for those reporting symptoms will be open seven days a week from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. at 1-800-535-6136.
