Jefferson Co. Confirms Three Additional Cases of Coronavirus

This is a very fluid situation which changes, sometimes, minute to minute.

(Madison, Ind.) - The Jefferson County Health Department, in consultation with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and Indiana State Department of Health (ISDH), has confirmed three additional positive cases of novel coronavirus (COVID-19) in county residents.

This brings the total for Jefferson County to four cases. The health department makes it a priority to notify the patient before issuing any press release. This policy is what we consider to be right and fair for those individuals. This is a very fluid situation which changes, sometimes, minute to minute.

We ask for the public’s understanding when it comes to the timing of information sharing. As stated before, ISDH is notified of these cases before the local health departments are. As such, in some instances, they will be able to update their map before an investigation is begun.

Close contacts have been notified and all individuals are taking appropriate precautions and following the appropriate CDC guidelines related to isolation and quarantine.

The risk to the public from these individuals is low. Symptoms of novel coronavirus include fever, cough and shortness of breath. Like influenza, human coronaviruses 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.

The best way to protect yourself from any respiratory illness, including the flu, is to:

• Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. If soap and water are not available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer.

• Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands.

• Avoid close contact with people who are sick.

• Stay home when you are sick.

• Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then throw the tissue in the trash.

• Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces.

For additional information about novel coronavirus, https://www.in.gov/isdh/.