Hamilton County Health Department was notified early this morning of a Hamilton County resident who tested positive for Coronavirus Disease (COVID-19). This is the second laboratory confirmed positive of COVID-19 in Hamilton County. The individual, a female in her 50’s, is currently isolating at home to control transmission of the disease. Public health officials have completed investigation of this case, speaking with those who may have come into contact with the individual before this diagnosis. Through our investigation, public health may place other individuals on home quarantine if they are determined to have had significant exposure. Such individuals may not be 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 local cases can be reduced by adhering to public health guidance on social distanc ing, 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 health care provider for further guidance.
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 own health or the health of others. Follow the Centers for Disease Control, Illinois Department of Public Health and Hamilton County Health Department websites 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.
In addition, Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) has established a 24-hour COVID-19 hotline at 1-800-889-3931. For any questions regarding the Coronavirus, please call the IDPH COVID-19 Hotline at 1-800-889-3931 or email [email protected] . You can also go to the IDPH COVID-19 site at https://www.dph.illinois.gov/topics-services/diseases-and-conditions/diseases-a-z-list/coronavirus or the CDC at https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-nCoV/index.html
