The first case of COVID-19 Coronavirus in Vilas county has been reported.
The Vilas County Public Health Department reports a 65-year old male with a recent out-of-state travel history is hospitalized in stable condition. The Health Department will be contacting people who have had close contact with him.
Symptoms of coronavirus include fever, cough, and shortness of breath. Officials say if you think you have COVID-19, you should call the clinic or hospital before going.
Vilas County Health Department Director Laurel Dreger says the best thing people can do is follow the Governor's Stay-At-Home order and to practice social distancing.
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Press release 3/25
Vilas County Public Health Department confirmed their first case of COVID?19
The case is a 65?year?old male with recent out?of?state travel history. He is currently hospitalized but in stable condition. The Health Department will be contacting individuals who may have had close contact with him.
Symptoms of COVID?19 include fever, cough, and shortness of breath. If you think you may have COVID?19, you should call the clinic or hospital before going. Please do not call 9?1?1; this should be reserved for those needing critical emergency attention.
“The best thing people can do right now is to follow our Governor’s Orders to stay home. If you are sick, you should not be going out at all. Have other people get your essential items, such as groceries. For those who are able to work or get their essential items, please follow the social distancing recommendations of 6 feet,” stated Laurel Dreger, Vilas County Health Department Director/Health Officer.
- Remember to practice the following steps to prevent the spread of COVID?19 and other respiratory illnesses: ?
- Wash hands frequently with soap and water for at least 20 seconds.
- ? Carry and use an alcohol?based hand sanitizer if hand washing is not an option.
- Do not touch your face (eyes, mouth, nose). ?
- Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then throw the tissue in the trash. ?
- Do not share eating utensils, water bottles, beverage containers or other personal items
- Stay home when you are sick.
- ? Avoid close contact (6 feet or less) with anyone with cold or flu?like symptoms.
- ? Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces.
- ? If you develop a cough, fever, or shortness of breath or other respiratory symptoms after traveling, stay home, and contact your healthcare provider for instructions before going to a clinic.
This is a rapidly evolving situation. For the latest information, visit the CDC’s website, the DHS website, or the Vilas County Public Health Department’s website https://health.vilascountywi.gov/ or follow us on Facebook.