Release from J.J. Rose
McDowell County Health Department
MCDOWELL COUNTY, WV – The McDowell County Health Department is reporting the county’s first case of COVID-19 today, Sunday, April 5th, 2020.
The Health Department was notified at approximately 12:00 p.m. on Sunday, April 5, 2020, by the regional epidemiologist that a McDowell County resident had tested positive for novel Coronavirus (COVID-19).
Health Department Officials believe that the first individual who tested positive for COVID-19 (coronavirus) was exposed to the virus while traveling.
Officials are working diligently to identify additional residents who may have had contact with this individual. The patient and the patient’s family are quarantined at their home and are doing well at this time.
To protect individual’s privacy, no further information about the case will be released.
The McDowell County Health Department will keep the public informed by announcing any additional cases that may arise through local media partners.
If you have any questions regarding COVID-19, please call the Health Department at (304)-448-2174. If an individual is experiencing any symptoms of COVID-19, they can call Tug River Health Association’s hotline at (304) 448-2300 between the hours of 8:00 – 4:30 Monday – Friday. This line is being operated by a nurse who will ask screening questions to determine if you need testing. Or you may also contact Welch Community Hospital 24/7 at (304)-436-8461 to inquire about the possibility of being tested.
If you are having a medical emergency, call 9-1-1 and inform the dispatcher that you have symptoms of COVID-19. If you are NOT currently experiencing any symptoms, please continue to practice social distancing as well as proper handwashing.
The Health Department would like to express that it is important for the community to understand that the identification of a case does not change our local strategies for preventing and reducing the spread of disease. Above all else, please isolate yourself at home if you feel sick. Coronavirus symptoms include fever, cough and shortness of breath.
At this time, it is estimated, 37 individuals have been tested for COVID-19 (coronavirus) in McDowell, 12 tests have come back negative, 24 tests are still pending, and 1 test has come back positive.