CASS COUNTY, MI (WKZO AM/FM) — The Van Buren/Cass District Health Department is reporting their first positive coronavirus case in Cass County.
Local health officials were notified by the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services on Thursday, but details on the patient were not released.
They’re now investigating the case and working to identify anyone who may have come into contact with the individual.
This comes just a day after two cases were reported in Van Buren County.
Medical Director at Van Buren/Cass District Health Department Larry Wile released a statement saying, “This is the first confirmed case in Cass 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 Cass County, two (2) cases in Van Buren County, and 2,294 positive cases in the state of Michigan. We urge all residents to please take all precautions to help mitigate the spread of COVID-19.”
VBCDHD has local COVID-19 Healthcare Advisor phone numbers listed on their website for anyone experiencing any symptoms. More updates and prevention resources can be found at www.vbcassdhd.org/covid-19.
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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.