First Bourbon County death related to COVID-19 announced

In a news release issued late Tuesday morning, the Bourbon County Health Department announced the first death in Bourbon County related to COVID-19.

"It is with our deepest regret that we need to announce the loss of our first resident of Bourbon County, KS (elderly male), due to COVID-19, plus other health conditions. We would like to extend our sympathy to the family and friends of this individual during this difficult time and encourage the public to do the same as his family and friends mourn his loss," the release states.

"The individual was and had been hospitalized out of state prior to 3/22/20 and was Bourbon County’s first positive COVID-19 case. Bourbon County Health Department’s first step was to contact those people who were a contact of this individual. The contact investigations have been completed. If you have not been contacted, your risk of exposure from this individual is minimal.

"The overwhelming opinion of medical professionals across the country is that we MUST all do our part to help reduce the spread of this virus. Even though many will only experience mild symptoms, the higher risk/elderly population and those with underlying health issues could experience more severe symptoms.

"In an effort to reduce the spread of COVID-19, it is recommended that everyone stay home if you are able, utilize social distancing, use frequent hand hygiene, cough or sneeze into your sleeve/elbow, work from home if possible, and stay home if you are ill.

"If you feel you are exhibiting COVID-19 symptoms (fever, cough, shortness of breath) please call your clinic first. If you are experiencing life threatening symptoms, please call 911.

"If you have questions, the Bourbon County Health Department will answer your call at (620)223-4464. Due to the volume of calls, we are not answering messages via Facebook or Messenger.

"You can also call the COVID-19 hotline at (866)534-3463 OR visit COVID-19 Resource Center at: http://www.kdheks.gov/coronavirus/index.htm See KS COVID-19 Case Summary for more details: https://public.tableau.com/profile/kdhe.epidemiology#!/vizhome/COVID-19Data_1585...

"You can also visit Southeast Kansas Multi-County Health Departments on Facebook for local updates regarding COVID-19.

"The Bourbon County Health Department is aware that daily case updates from KDHE may not always align with County case numbers. This may be due to the individual’s location vs. their physical address.

"We appreciate everyone’s efforts to decrease the spread of COVID-19. Please continue this effort."