Egyptian Health Department was notified on Sunday, March 29, 2020 of a Saline County resident who tested positive for Coronavirus (COVID-19). The individual, a 49 year old male is at home and doing well. The individual had already been self-quarantined and followed appropriate guidelines prior to notification of the confirmed results. This is the first laboratory confirmed positive of COVID-19 in Saline County. The individual is thought to have been exposed to the novel coronavirus through recent travel to another country for work. Illinois Department of Public Health, the local healthcare provider, Egyptian Health Department and the individual have all been notified and are monitoring the situation.
Public health officials have begun an investigation of this case, speaking with individuals who he may have been in contact with before being diagnosed. As is protocol, public health officials may place other individuals on home quarantine if they are determined to have had significant exposure. Such individuals may not by symptomatic, but are quarantined for a period of time which allows symptoms to develop and pass, without posing risk to others. If you are contacted by public health officials, please respond promptly.
The number of COVID-19 cases in Illinois has risen dramatically over the past week. According to the Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH), on March 28, 2020, the confirmed total of COVID-19 in the State is 3,491 individuals.
We can expect more cases to be confirmed locally, as the number of tests being conducted is increasing. The number of cases can be reduced by adhering to public health guidance on social distancing, washing hands frequently, disinfecting commonly touched surfaces, and staying home when you are ill.
COVID-19 shares many symptoms with more common respiratory diseases. If you have a fever, cough, or difficulty breathing, call your healthcare provider for further guidance. In addition, several COVID-19 hotlines have been established:
Clinicians are there to answer questions, assess each caller and advise on next steps.
The public is asked to follow and share trusted sources of information on COVID-19. The spread of incorrect information during disease outbreaks can lead people to take actions which may not be beneficial to their health or the health of others. Follow WROY/WRUL Media, CDC, IDPH, Illinois Coronavirus website, EHDwebsites and social media accounts for such trusted information. Public health officials will not be releasing more specific details about this individual due to privacy issues.
