There is now one confirmed case of the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) in Union County, Greater Regional Health Center said in a press release Thursday night.
The age and sex of the confirmed case has not been made public.
"While this is Union County's first case, it may not be the last, and that's why we encourage all residents to continue to make prevention a priority," said Union County Public Health Nurse Robin Sevier. Actions to limit spread include staying home as much as possible, leaving only for essential items, staying home when mildly ill, cover coughs and sneezes with a tissue or upper arm and to wash hands frequently for at least 20 seconds.
Approximately 80% of Iowans infected with COVID-19 will experience only a mild to moderate illness, said the release. Iowans showing signs of illness should stay home, isolate others from others in the house and stay isolation until symptoms are cleared.
To clear symptoms, you must be fever free for 72 hours (three full days without use of fever reducers or medicine) and other symptoms, such as shortness of breath and a cough, have improved.
For up-to-date information on COVID-19, visit the Iowa Department of Health web page at https://idph.iowa.gov/emerging-health-issues/novel-coronavirus.