North Central Health District

First confirmed case of COVID-19 in North Central Health District

Posted March 18, 2020 by Michael Hokanson

Today, North Central Health District (NCHD) Epidemiologists confirmed NCHD’s first confirmed case of COVID-19 involving a resident of Houston County.

The individual has travel history to an area of the United States where COVID-19 has active community spread. The individual is not hospitalized at this time, and is isolated at home to keep the illness from spreading.

NCHD is working to identify any contacts that may have been exposed while the individual was infectious. People identified as having been potentially exposed will be contacted directly by a public health epidemiologist and monitored for respiratory symptoms.

COVID-19 is spread by an infected person’s coughs and sneezes or close contact with an infected individual. Symptoms appear within two to 14 days after exposure and can include fever, cough and shortness of breath. The best way to protect against COVID-19 is to practice germ prevention:

• Wash your hands often with soap and warm water for at least 20 seconds. If soap and water a not available, us an alcohol-based hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol.
• Avoid touching your nose, eyes and mouth with unwashed hands.
• Avoid close contact with people who are ill.
• Stay home when you are sick.
• Cover your cough and sneeze with a tissue, then dispose of the tissue. If a tissue is not available, use the inside of your elbow to cover yourself.
• Regularly clean and disinfect high-touch objects and surfaces.

Healthcare facilities are working with the Georgia Public Health Laboratory and private labs to process tests. NCHD’s 13 county health departments do not offer testing at this time. If you have symptoms of COVID-19, call your healthcare provider before visiting the location.  

For more information about the COVID-19, including cases numbers and guidance, visit NCHD52.org/coronavirus, or use the Georgia COVID-19 Hotline by calling 844-442-2681.