By: Sam T. Jensen — [email protected]
Webster County, IA — Webster County has its first case of novel coronavirus (COVID-19) according to a Facebook post from the Webster County Health Department.
The individual is currently recovered, but Webster County Public Health Director Kari Prescott says all residents should “continue to make prevention a priority.”
These actions include “washing hands frequently with soap and water for at least 20 seconds,” “covering coughs and sneezes with a tissue or elbow/upper arm,” and “staying home when ill.”
According to the Webster County Health Department, roughly 80% of Iowans infected with COVID-19 will experience “only a mild to moderate illness” and most mildly ill individuals will not need to seek treatment. They should stay home and isolate themselves until they “have had no fever for at least 72 hours” without medicine and other symptoms have improved and at least seven days have passed since symptoms first appeared.
Prescott says to call the Health Department with any questions at 515-573-4107 or after hours at 515-227-7153.
The Iowa Department of Public Health (IDPH) is also reporting the first positive case of COVID-19 in Wright County. The individual is currently self-isolating at home, according to a press release from the IDPH and Wright County Board of Public Health.
Wright County Environmental Health, Epidemiology, and Emergency Preparedness, Sandy McGrath, RN, says residents should follow the measures above and while this is the first case, it likely won’t be Wright County’s last.
“The Wright County Board of Supervisors, Wright County Board of Public Health, Emergency Management, Sheriff, City Administrators, City Police Chiefs, and Iowa Specialty Hospitals will continue to hold daily conference calls to update all parties of current developments and needs.” says Wright County Supervisor and Public Information Officer Karl Helgevold.
More information on COVID-19 can be found at https://idph.iowa.gov/Emerging-Health-Issues/Novel-Coronavirus and on the Iowa Department of Public Health’s Facebook page.