Seven COVID-19 cases in Bourbon County; first death announced

Three more Bourbon County, Kan., positive COVID-19 tests were confirmed Sunday morning, bringing Bourbon County’s total number of cases to seven, according to a news release issued Sunday by the SEK Multi-County Health Departments.

The testing was confirmed through a reference laboratory that was used. The individuals were already in quarantine in their home, as a result, the chance for community spread from these individuals is minimal. Additionally, the Health Department is aware of each person’s exposure source and all individuals are isolated to their homes. All potential exposures have been notified and are/have been in quarantine, the release said.

A Bourbon County positive COVID-19 test was confirmed Saturday afternoon — the county’s fourth positive case. The testing was confirmed through a reference laboratory that was used. The individual was in a daycare in Bourbon County. This individual is now in isolation at their home, with their family who are now in quarantine. The Bourbon County Public Health Department has contacted the daycare and the provider has been notified and is taking precautions to prevent any spread of COVID-19. The Bourbon County Public Health Department is working diligently to investigate, identify and contact the other individuals who have been exposed, a news release issued Saturday said.

Due to the number of cases in Bourbon County, the Bourbon County Health Department will no longer issue a press release each time the department gets a new case. The current case count for Bourbon County can be found at the internet address below. KDHE usually updates the site around 10 a.m. daily, https://public.tableau.com/profile/kdhe.epidemiology#!/vizhome/COVID-19Data_1585....

The first confirmed positive COVID-19 case in Bourbon County was reported March 22. Two additional positive COVID-19 cases were confirmed March 26.

First county death

The Bourbon County Health Department released a statement late Tuesday morning on the county’s first death related to COVID-19.

“It is with our deepest regret that we need to announce the loss of our first resident of Bourbon County due to COVID-19 plus other health conditions,” the statement said. “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 individual, an elderly male, was and had been hospitalized out-of-state prior to March 22 and was Bourbon County’s first positive COVID-19 case. The 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. For people who have not been contacted, their risk of exposure from this individual is minimal, according to the statement.

“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,” the release states.

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

People who feel they are exhibiting COVID-19 symptoms (fever, cough, shortness of breath) should call their clinic first. Those people who are experiencing life threatening symptoms should call 911.

The Bourbon County Health Department will answer calls at (620) 223-4464 for those people who have questions. Due to the volume of calls, the department is not answering messages via Facebook or Messenger, the release states.

People can also call the COVID-19 hotline at (866) 534-3463 or visit the COVID-19 Resource Center at http://www.kdheks.gov/coronavirus/index.htm. For more detials, the Kansas COVID-19 case summary is available at https://public/tableau.com/profile/kdhe.epidemiology#!/vizhome/COVID-19Data_1585....

The Southeast Kansas Multi-County Health Departments also post local updates regarding COVID-19 on Facebook.

The release also states 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 versus their physical address.

The Bourbon County Public Health Department urges the public to continue to take appropriate actions. Everyone should practice good hygiene, stay informed, practice social distancing and limit in-person interactions, and avoid travel whenever possible.

SYMPTOMS OF COVID-19:

• Fever

• Cough

• Shortness of Breath

Please remember if you have the symptoms to:

• Call before going to a clinic, hospital, ER, or health department.

• Close contact means: 6 feet or less for 10 minutes or more, with a positive case.

• If you are experiencing life threatening symptoms, please call 911.

For more information, call the SEK Multi-County Health Department: Bourbon: (620)223-4464 Monday-Thursday 7 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., or the COVID-19 Hotline at (866)534-3463. You may also visit the COVID-19 Resource Center at: http://www.kdheks.gov/coronavirus/index.htmOR Southeast Kansas Multi-County Health Departments on Facebook for local updates.

Guidance from KDHE on licensed childcare facilities can be found online at https://www.kdheks.gov/coronavirus/toolkit/Interim_Guidance_for_Child_Care_Facil....