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The first case of COVID-19 has been confirmed in Clayton County

Posted: Thu, Mar 26, 2020 2:09 PM

Clayton County has gotten its first confirmed case of COVID-19--a female in the age group of 18-40 years.  According to the Iowa Department of Public Health (IDPH), the individual is self-isolating at home.

"While this is Clayton County's first case, it may not be the last, and that's why we encourage all residents to continue to make prevention a priority," said Clayton County Visiting Nurse Association Director Stacey Killian.

Approximately 80 percent of Iowans infected with COVID-19 will experience only a mild to moderate illness. Most mildly ill Iowans do not need to go to their healthcare provider or be tested to confirm they have COVID-19.

Sick Iowans must stay home and isolate themselves from others in their house. This is the appropriate action until you have had no fever for at least 72 hours (in other words, three full days of no fever without the use of medicine that reduces fevers). It is also extremely important that you isolate until other symptoms have improved (for example, when your cough and shortness of breath have improved). In addition, isolation is a must until at least 7 days have passed since your symptoms first appeared.

If you think you may need healthcare, call first. Your provider can assess whether you need to be seen in the office or if you can recover at home. There may also be options for you to talk to a medical provider from home using technology.