Vernon County Health Department reports first case of COVID-19

Wednesday, April 8, 2020

Vernon County Health Department is announcing its first positive case of novel coronavirus (COVID-19).  The case is NOT travel-related and the patient is a male and is quarantined at home. 

Health Department staff are working in coordination with the Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services (DHSS) to determine any close contacts of that individual who were possibly exposed. If there were any, health officials will provide guidance to these individuals and monitor them closely for the development of symptoms. 

The health department urges the public to take appropriate precautions including good hygiene, social distancing and limiting in-person interactions. For individuals who are sick, particularly with fever and cough, or shortness of breath, stay home and contact your primary care provider for guidance regarding symptoms and next steps.

“The best tips for prevention are still social distancing and proper hand washing,” said Steve Durnell, director of Vernon County Health Department. “Staying home if you are sick and avoiding close contact with others will help us limit any spread.”

For more information, visit the DHSS website at www.health.mo.gov/coronavirus or the CDC website at www.cdc.gov/coronavirus. A statewide COVID-19 hotline also operates 24 hours a day, 7 days a week at 877-435-8411.

Respond to this story

Posting a comment requires free registration: