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Health department announces first COVID-19 death in county

The Huntington County Health Department announced yesterday, Wednesday, April 1,  the first death from the coronavirus (COVID-19).

The adult female from Huntington County died on March 31. No further information about the patient will be released due to privacy laws.

The Huntington County Health Department also announced its third positive COVID-19 case.

COVID-19 is a respiratory illness caused by a new coronavirus that had not been previously identified. It is not the same as the type of coronavirus that causes the common cold.

The local health department notes COVID-19 is most commonly spread from an infected person to others through respiratory droplets released into the air by coughing and sneezing; close personal contact, such as touching or shaking hands; a person touching an object or surface with the virus on it, then touching his or her mouth, nose, or eyes before washing hands; and rarely, fecal contamination.

Many people who acquire COVID-19 will have mild symptoms, can self-isolate and do not need to be tested, note health department officials. Older individuals and those with underlying medical conditions are at higher risk for severe illness.

The best ways for people to protect themselves is to wash their hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, avoid touching their faces with unwashed hands, avoid close contact with people who are sick, stay home when they’re sick, cover their cough or sneeze and clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) does not recommend that people who are well wear a facemask to protect themselves from respiratory illnesses, including COVID-19. People should only wear a mask if a healthcare professional recommends it.

A facemask should be used by people who have COVID-19 and are showing symptoms to protect others from the risk of infection.

Visit the Indiana State Department of Health’s COVID-19 website at https://coronavirus.IN.gov for more information, including frequently asked questions about COVID-19.