The Shannon County Health Center has announced its first positive case of novel coronavirus (COVID-19). The case is not travel-related and the patient, a 27-year-old female, is quarantined at home.
Health Center staff are working in coordination with the Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services (DHSS) to determine any close contacts of that individual who were possibly exposed. If there were any, health officials will provide guidance to these individuals and monitor them closely for the development of symptoms.
The health center urges the public to take appropriate precautions including good hygiene, social distancing and limiting in-person interactions. If you are sick, particularly with a fever and a cough, or shortness of breath, stay home and contact your health care provider or urgent care center for guidance regarding symptoms and next steps.
The best tips for prevention are still social distancing and proper handwashing. Staying home if you are sick and avoiding close contact with others will help us limit any spread.
For more information, visit the DHSS website at www.health.mo.gov/coronavirus or the CDC website at www.cdc.gov/coronavirus. A statewide COVID-19 hotline also operates 24 hours a day, 7 days a week at 877-435-8411.
According to health department officials, “there was no potential mass exposures to the public in the 48 hours prior to symptom onset in this case. If we become aware of any, we will post those locations as soon as we find out. We have notified all known direct contacts of this person and instructed them on what to do.”
