Just six counties in North Carolina remain without a confirmed case of the novel coronavirus after Madison County reported its first in an April 24 press release.
"I knew it was just a matter of time," Madison County Health Director Tammy Cody said in a phone call shortly after the release posted to the county's website. "I can't say I was surprised."
The confirmed case leaves neighboring Yancey along with Avery, Camden, Graham, Hyde and Swain as the only counties in North Carolina without a confirmed case of COVID-19 as of April 24.
The laboratory confirmed case sees the county's clinical staff of roughly 10 begin contact tracing efforts.
"As soon as we got this validation, we immediately started investigating and performing contact tracing. We absolutely will notify anyone who has been around and involved with the individual," Cody said.
Due federal laws governing patient privacy, the individual is identified only as middle-aged Madison County resident with underlying health conditions. Cody said a health care provider notified the county's health department immediately after the positive result from a test taken the same day.
“It is important that our community remain calm, stay informed and be prepared for the spread of this illness,” Cody said. "I want our residents to know the health and safety of the community is absolutely our top priority. We take this seriously and will do all we can to protect every resident in this county."
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Cody said the lack of testing available locally has made that effort a challenge. She reported the county health department has tested 120 residents, or roughly half of one percent of the county's residents, in the month and a half since the virus emerged.
"It would make things so much easier if we had the tools essential to do our jobs," she said.
The health department release stressed residents continue to wash hands frequently and cover coughs and sneezes to help prevent the spread of the disease. High-risk individuals over age 65 or those with weakened immune systems are advised to stay at home to decrease chances of infection.
The release also outlined when and how individuals should seek care if they suspect they have the virus, stressing that individuals should not to go a health care provider or the health department without calling ahead to report symptoms. It advises emergency room visits should also be reserved for the most critically ill. Those without a health care provider that cannot afford to be seen at an urgent care center are encouraged to speak with a communicable disease nurse at the health department by calling 649-3531 if experiencing symptoms. Those experiencing a medical emergency should call 911 and report their symptoms.
For more information on the coronavirus and resources available in Madison County, call 649-0755. Staff are available seven days a week, 8 a.m.-8 p.m. General information about COVID-19 in North Carolina can be found by visiting ncdhhs.gov/coronavirus or by calling the NC COVID-19 hotline at (866) 462-3821.
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April 25, 2020 at 02:10AM
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Coronavirus: Madison County confirms first case - Citizen Times
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