Within the last hour, Monroe County Health Department received notification through the Wisconsin Electronic Disease Surveillance System (WEDSS) of its first confirmed case of COVID-19 by positive lab test.
The individual is a male in his 50s who has had no known exposure via travel or contact with a confirmed case. The individual is isolating at home and will continue to do so based on state Department of Health Services guidelines.
A Monroe County public health nurse has spoken with the individual. The health department is actively identifying contacts the individual might have had and will follow up with anyone who may have been exposed to provide appropriate guidance.
“There is no need for the public to panic,” said Sharon Nelson, Monroe County Director/Health Officer. “We have been preparing for a case of COVID-19 in Monroe County.”
Monroe County advises residents to take the following steps to stop the spread of COVID-19:
• Stay home. Avoid social gatherings with people of all ages (including playdates and sleepovers, parties, large family dinners, visitors in your home, non-essential workers in your house);
• Practice good hygiene
• Wash your hands regularly for at least 20 seconds. If soap and water are not available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer with at least 60 percent alcohol.
• Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when you cough or sneeze or use the inside of your elbow.
• Avoid touching your face
If you are having symptoms such as fever, cough, or difficulty breathing, call your doctor before going in.
For more information, contact Monroe County Health Department at 269-8666 or look to sources such as the Monroe County’s COVID-19 website at healthymonroeco.org/covid-19, the DHS COVID-19 website at www.dhs.wisconsin.gov/disease/covid-19.htm, and the CDC COVID-19 website at www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/index.html.
