First COVID-19 Case in District#10 Health Department Region

Positive case is in Wexford County
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March 20, 2020 – The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) informed District Health Department #10 (DHD#10) is reporting the first positive case of COVID-19 in our jurisdiction. Results for a resident of Wexford County with a history of domestic travel have come back positive.
 
DHD#10 is working quickly to investigate this case and will be working closely with the individual to identify if there were any exposures.
 
“We hope for the speedy recovery of our resident” stated DHD#10 Medical Director, Dr. Jennifer Morse. “DHD#10 is relying on our communities to work together, be vigilant, and take the necessary precautions to slow the potential spread of illness. We encourage the public to avoid panic and turn to reputable sources for information. We continue to recommend prevention strategies to reduce the spread of germs and protect everyone’s health.”
 
Sources for updated information are www.dhd10.org, www.michigan.gov/coronavirus, and www.cdc.gov/coronavirus 
 
Prevention
There is currently no vaccine to prevent coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). The best way to prevent illness is to avoid being exposed to this virus. Information from Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is available in English, Chinese, and Spanish.

• Clean your hands often. Scrub with soap for at least 20 seconds. Use hand sanitizer if you cannot wash.
• Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
• Stay home when you are sick, except to get medical care. Call ahead before going to your healthcare provider. Learn what to do if you are sick. 
• Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then throw the tissue in the trash. Immediately wash your hands.

• Clean and disinfect frequently touched surfaces.

 
Older adults and people who have severe underlying chronic medical conditions like heart or lung disease or diabetes seem to be at higher risk for developing more serious complications from COVID-19 illness. View additional prevention steps from CDC for people at higher risk. Consult with your health care provider for more steps you may be able to take to protect yourself.
 
Patients with confirmed infection have reported mild to severe respiratory illness with symptoms of:

• Fever
• Cough
• Shortness of breath
• Pneumonia

If you are experiencing these symptoms and suspect you may have COVID-19 or were exposed to someone with the virus, please contact your medical provider for further assistance.

The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) recently announced the launch of a statewide hotline to respond to health-related questions about coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) The hotline will be open seven days a week from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. at 1-888-535-6136. You can also send questions to [email protected].

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