First positive COVID-19 case reported in Chickasaw County

By Bob Steenson, bsteenson@charlescitypress.com

The first positive test for COVID-19 was reported in Chickasaw County Monday morning by the Iowa Department of Public Health.

Chickasaw County Public Health and Home Care confirmed the report, saying the person who tested positive is between 18 and 40 years old and is self-isolating at home.

“While this is Chickasaw County’s first case, it may not be the last, and that is why we encourage all residents to continue to make prevention a priority,” said Lisa Welter, Chickasaw County Public Health director, in a statement.

“It’s important for everyone to stay home as much as possible and to practice social distancing,” she said. “This simply means to stay away from groups of people and to keep a six-foot distance from other individuals.”

As of Monday evening, Floyd County was one of 24 remaining counties in the state that has not reported a positive test result for COVID-19. Every county surrounding Floyd County has now has at least one positive test result reported with the addition of Chickasaw County.

Gail Arjes, administrator for Floyd County Public Health/Home Health Care, said last week that quite a few tests have been run throughout Floyd County, and so far they have all been negative.

“It’s not that there’s no testing being done, there is testing being done,” she said. “It’s just that all have come back negative so far, which is a good thing.”

Arjes said that she can’t stress enough the importance of avoiding person-to-person contact.

“Even though you may not be feeling ill, there’s still a chance you’re spreading the virus,” Arjes said. “If you’re not worried about your health, you should be worried about the health of those you come into contact with.”

She said that, in particular, the elderly or those who have compromised immune systems are especially vulnerable.

Symptoms of COVID-19 include a cough, fever of greater than 100.4 degrees and shortness of breath.

Chickasaw County’s Welter said, “If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, you should call your health provider before going into the clinic or hospital. The provider may have special instructions for you and will determine if you should be tested.”

Iowa public health officials reported 78 new positive cases Monday, bringing the state total to 946 known cases across 75 of Iowa’s 99 counties. Three additional deaths related to COVID-19 increased the state total to 25.

For most people, the new coronavirus causes mild or moderate symptoms, such as fever and cough that clear up in two to three weeks.

For some, especially older adults and people with existing health problems, it can cause more severe illness, including pneumonia and death. The vast majority of people recover.