Full Notification

MADISON COUNTY HEALTH DEPARTMENT CONFIRMS 
1^st COVID-19 DEATH
Madison County Health Department announced today the first death from the novel coronavirus (COVID-19). The individual was an older male from Madison County. 
“COVID-19 is a very real disease that can lead to adult respiratory distress syndrome.  Despite all the efforts of physicians and healthcare workers, we have experienced the loss of our first resident of Madison County.  This is our first and will not be our last.  Please have a moment of reflection and continue to practice social distancing, limit non-essential travel, cover your coughs, and wash your hands thoroughly”, Dr. Stephen Wright, Madison County Health Officer.  
The man from Madison County died at a Hamilton County hospital on March 25, 2020.  The person, who was over 70, had been hospitalized as a COVID-19 patient. No further information about the patient will be released due to privacy laws.
The Madison County Health Department will continue to update newly identified cases when we receive official, lab-confirmed reports.  “We must have the necessary documentation to provide accurate information to our residents. Please be patient as labs and processes are backed up”, Stephenie Grimes, Madison County Health Administrator.  
COVID-19 is a respiratory illness caused by a novel, or new, coronavirus that has not been previously identified. It is not the same as the type of coronavirus that causes the common cold. 
COVID-19 is 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.

 
Many people who acquire COVID-19 will have mild symptoms, can self-isolate and do not need to be tested. Older individuals and those with underlying medical conditions are at higher risk for severe illness.
The best ways to protect yourself are to wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, avoid touching your face with unwashed hands, avoid close contact with people who are sick, stay home when you’re sick, cover your cough or sneeze and clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces. 
 
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) does not recommend that people who are well wear a facemask to protect themselves from respiratory illnesses, including COVID-19. You should only wear a mask if a healthcare professional recommends it. A facemask should be used by people who have COVID-19 and are showing symptoms to protect others from the risk of infection.
 
Visit the Indiana State Department of Health’s COVID-19 website at https://coronavirus.IN.gov for more information, including frequently asked questions about COVID-19.
 
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