DEKALB COUNTY HEALTH DEPARTMENT AND DEKALB COUNTY HOMELAND SECURITY

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
3 [24/ 2020

DEKALB COUNTY CONFIRMS 1't CASE OF NOVEL CORONAVIRUS

The DeKalb County Health Department. in consultation with the Centers for Disease Control
and Prevention (CDC) and Indiana State Department of Health (ISDH), has con?rmed the ?rst
case of novel coronavirus in a county resident. The patient is currently isolated at home.

The county is working closely with the state health department to identify any close contacts of
the patient who might have been exposed to ensure that apprOpriate precautions are taken in
accordance with the latest CDC guidance. At this time. the risk to the public is believed to be
low.

of novel coronavirus include fever, cough and shortness of breath. Lika in?uenza,
human coronaviruses most commonly spread from an infected person to others through:
- Respiratory droplets released into the air by coughing and sneezing;
. Close personal contact. such as touching or shaking hands:
. Touching an object or surface with the virus on it, then touching your mouth. nose. or
eyes before washing your hands; and
. Rarely. fecal contamination.

The best way to protect yourself from any respiratory illness. including the is to:

. Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. If soap and water
are not available. use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer.

Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands.

Avoid close contact with people who are sick.

Stay home when you are sick.

Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue. then throw the tissue in the trash.

Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces.

For additional information about novel coronavirus, visit 

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Dr. Mark Souder, DeKalb County Health Officer

(444 M?x

Cheryl Cd'unty Health Department

Jasol?f Meek, DeKalb County Homeland Security