Columbus Public Health Reports First Confirmed Case of COVID-19
Columbus
Public Health is reporting the first confirmed case of COVID-19 in Columbus.
The case is a
49 year old male who had recently traveled on the Carnival cruise ship Valor.
On Feb 29, he departed from New Orleans and traveled to Cozumel and the Yucatan
and returned on March 5.
He arrived
back in Columbus on March 6, and started having symptoms on March 7. He sought
medical treatment on March 11 and on March 12. He is currently recuperating at
home in isolation.
Since the
notification came in late last night, we have been working through the night
contacting those we know who were with him and anyone else that he may have
come in contact with.
Currently, we
have 2 household contacts who are in quarantine and being monitored, and 2
contacts who are exhibiting symptoms and being tested.
Additionally,
any central Ohio resident who was on this cruise should call 614-645-1519.
“This first
case of COVID-19 in our community reminds us that we all must take precautions
to protect health and stay safe,” said Health Commissioner Dr. Mysheika
Roberts. “Columbus Public Health will continue to work closely with our local,
state and federal partners – and our health care systems -- to take all
appropriate measures to prevent and contain the spread of the virus.”
Columbus
Public Health is conducting a contact case investigation to identify others at
risk of infection. If you are having symptoms of COVID-19, have traveled in the
last 14 days or been around someone with COVID-19 in the last 14 days, call
your healthcare provider. He or she will work with you to determine if you
should be tested. Testing is available in the community, but you need to be
referred by your provider.
Everyone can
take precautions to protect health and prevent the spread of infectious disease
by taking the following steps:
- Wash
your hands often with soap and water.
- Avoid
touching your eyes, nose, and mouth.
- Avoid
close contact with people who are sick.
- Stay
home when you are sick.
- Cover
coughs and sneezes with your elbow.
The Ohio
Department of Health has opened a COVID-19 call center that is open seven days
a week from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. at 1-833-4-ASK-ODH (1-833-427-5634).