Nodaway County Health Department Administrator, Tom Patterson, announces two Nodaway County, Missouri residents have tested positive for the novel coronavirus (COVID-19).  There are now 174 confirmed cases for Nodaway County; all 174 cases have had a positive test and are only counted once in the case count.  One hundred fifteen individuals are no longer in isolation.  Eight individuals with underlying medical conditions have been hospitalized, and four have since been released.  

The affected individuals include one male between 30-39 years of age and one male between 50-59 years of age.  The affected individuals are isolated in private residences.  

The Nodaway County Health Department is currently working to notify those that have been deemed close contacts.  If you are not contacted by the health department, then you are not considered a close contact with these individuals and not at increased risk for this virus. 

There is increased community transmission of COVID-19. The health department strongly urges the public to practice social distancing by maintaining six (6) feet of separation, to limit in-person interactions, and to practice good handwashing and hygiene.  Please avoid touching your face.  Please clean phones, devices, and contact surfaces frequently.  The health department also recommends wearing a mask when social distancing cannot be achieved.  

If you are sick with a fever or chills, cough, shortness of breath or difficulty breathing, fatigue, muscle or body aches, headaches, new loss of taste or smell, sore throat, congestion or runny nose, nausea or vomiting, or diarrhea, please call your health care provider before visiting for guidance regarding symptoms and next steps.

For more information, visit the DHSS website at www.health.mo.gov/coronavirus or the CDC website at www.cdc.gov/coronavirus.  A statewide COVID-19 hotline also operates 24 hours a day, 7 days a week at 877-435-8411. Follow Nodaway County Health Department on Facebook.