Suwannee has 1st case of COVID-19

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  • Suwannee County has its first confirmed case of Covid-19. The patient is a 51-year-old woman.
    Suwannee County has its first confirmed case of Covid-19. The patient is a 51-year-old woman.
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Suwannee County has its first confirmed case of COVID-19.

According to state department of health data released today, the patient is a 51-year-old woman.

It is not clear if the case is travel-related.

The Florida Department of Health in Suwannee County is now conducting its contact

investigation and working on identifying and notifying individuals who will need to self-monitor for

symptoms for a 14-day period. Contact investigations are a critical way for staff epidemiologists to track and prevent the spread of disease.

The symptoms of COVID-19 can mirror illnesses such as influenza. Patients with COVID-19 typically display symptoms such as fever (100.4°F or higher), cough, and/or shortness of breath within 2 to 14 days of exposure to the virus. Approximately 80% of those affected with COVID-19 report mild to moderate illness and experience a complete recovery. Some experience more severe illness. People who are more vulnerable to the illness include individuals who are over age 65 with underlying health conditions, immunocompromised, ill or have underlying chronic health conditions, such as heart disease or diabetes.

Many cases of COVID-19 can be managed at home by treating symptoms, and this is encouraged.

However, if you develop worsening symptoms, such as shortness of breath, chest pain, or inability to drink fluids, contact 911 and advise them of your symptoms as you may need treatment at a hospital.

COVID-19 overview, symptoms, and general prevention COVID-19 is a new type of coronavirus; coronaviruses are a large family of viruses, some causing illness in people and others that circulate among animals. Other coronaviruses include the common cold and Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS). COVID-19 is believed to have emerged from an  animal source and is now capable of spreading from person-to-person. There is currently no vaccine to prevent COVID-19.

For the most up-to-date information on COVID-19 visit https://floridahealthcovid19.gov/ and https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/index.html.

Individuals can call the statewide COVID-19 hotline 24/7 at 866-779-6121 or COVID-19@flhealth.gov.

Health care providers should continue to call DOH epidemiology staff if they have questions regarding testing.