2nd Case of COVID-19 Announced in Monona County
The Burgess Public Health has reported its second positive COVID-19 case in Monona County. This case is unrelated to the first COVID-19 reported on March 25.
The patient is elderly, in the greater than 81+ age band that resides within Monona County.
Burgess Public Health Department is reminding residents of the importance of practicing social distancing, which includes staying home as much as possible, avoiding crowds and mass gatherings, and maintaining a distance of approximately 6 feet from others. Limiting exposure will slow the spread of the virus and prevent a spike in cases that could potentially exceed the capacity of our healthcare system to treat patients that need care.
Approximately 80 percent of Iowans infected with COVID-19 will experience only mild to moderate illness. Most mildly ill Iowans may not need to go to their healthcare provider or be tested to confirm that they have COVID-19. Sick Iowans must stay home and isolate themselves from others in their house until:
- You have had no fever for at least 72 hours (that is three full days of no fever without the use of medicine that reduces fevers) AND
- Other symptoms such as cough and shortness of breath have improved AND
- At least 7 days have passed since your symptoms first appeared.
While there is currently no vaccine to prevent the virus, there are many steps that residents can take to help stop the spread of COVID-19 and other respiratory viruses:
- Practice social distancing and avoid handshakes
- Wash hands frequently with soap and water for at least 20 seconds each time, or use an alcohol-based sanitizer when soap and water are not available
- Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands
- Avoid close contact with people that are sick
- Covering coughs and sneezes with a tissue or elbow/upper arm
- Staying home when you or a family member are ill
- Call first if you need to see a healthcare provider
- Routinely cleaning frequently touched surfaces such as doorknobs, light switches, and countertops with an effective cleaner.
For up-to-date information on COVID-19, visit the IDPH webpage at https://idph.iowa.gov/Emerging-Health-Issues/Novel-Coronavirus and follow the department on Facebook at @IowaDepartmentOfPublicHealth and on Twitter at @IAPublicHealth.