Second case of COVID-19 reported in Barton County

According to the Barton County Health Department, a second positive case of COVID-19 has been reported in Barton County. This case, which came on the heels of the first case that was recorded at the end of the week, is in the western portion of the county and is a contact to a known positive case in an adjacent county. Individually identifiable details will not be released by the health department.

The individual is quarantined and being monitored closely by the health department.

The Barton County Health Department is working in conjunction with the Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services to determine any close contacts of this individual who were possibly exposed. Those person(s) will be provided with specific instructions on appropriate social distancing, monitoring and immediate actions should they develop signs and symptoms of COVID-19. If necessary, a timeline will be shared with the public to assist in the investigation.

While COVID-19 is spread from person to person, more than 80 percent of the patients who develop it will only become mildly ill. The concern is for patients with underlying medical conditions and the elderly, who are more likely to need hospital-level supportive care.

* Primary symptoms to be aware of include a 100.4 fever or higher, as 90 percent will have fever.

* Dry cough – 70 percent will have a dry cough.

* Shortness of breath – for those who become more acutely ill.

To be evaluated for symptoms of COVID-19, or if symptoms worsen, the health department asks individuals to call their local medical provider or hospital before seeking treatment. People who feel they might have the virus need to give health care providers a warning so safety precautions can be taken before their arrival, in order to help prevent the infection of healthcare workers and others at the facility.

The Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services is operating a hotline for residents and healthcare providers to call for information and guidance about COVID-19. The statewide hotline number is 877-435-8411. The hotline is being operated by medical professionals and is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week.