The Johnson County (Kansas) Department of Health and Environment (JCDHE) has announced Saturday a fifth case of coronavirus disease (COVID-19). The patient was identified through testing sent to the Kansas Department of Health and Environment’s Laboratories.
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The case is a woman in her 50s associated with Johnson County Community College. This case is the first known case in Johnson County of local transmission. JCDHE is working to identify any close contacts of the individual. Those that were exposed will be contacted by JCDHE as soon as possible. The individual is hospitalized and doing well. The family of the individual is in quarantine.
“It is important to remember to take basic precautions like washing your hands, covering your cough and staying home when you are ill. The local transmission has been expected, most people with mild symptoms will recover in a short amount of time” states Mary Beverly, JCDHE interim director.
Stay informed. Information changes frequently. For more information visit www.cdc.gov/COVID19 or www.jocogov.org/coronavirus. Call the KDHE phone bank at 1-866-534-3463 (1-866-KDHEINF) Monday – Friday, 8 a.m.–5 p.m. or JCDHE’s information line at 913-477-8343.
Prevention steps:
Clean your hands often
- Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds especially after you have been in a public place, or after blowing your nose, coughing, or sneezing.
- If soap and water are not readily available, use a hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol. Cover all surfaces of your hands and rub them together until they feel dry.
- Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands.
Avoid close contact
- Avoid close contact with people who are sick
- Put distance between yourself and other people if COVID-19 is spreading in your community. This is especially important for people who are at higher risk of getting very sick.
–Metro Voice