Thursday, April 23rd, 2020
Officials: Six more virus cases in area
By Leslie Gartrell
WAPAKONETA - Five more people in Auglaize County have tested positive for the coronavirus, bringing the county's total to 28, and one more person in Mercer County has tested positive, bringing it's total to 14.
Health commissioner Oliver Fisher said he does not believe the new cases represented a related outbreak. With increased testing and new testing criteria, an increase in the number of cases is to be expected, he noted.
The new confirmed Auglaize County cases all involve women, ages 36, 56, 58, 61 and 89, according to a health department news release on Wednesday. Three of the women are self-isolating at home and two are being treated at a local hospital.
The health department also reported eight hospitalizations and three deaths due to COVID-19. Of the 28 positive patients, 22 are women and six are men, according to the release.
In Mercer County, a man from 40-50 years old was the first to test positive for COVID-19 since April 12. The man is hospitalized, according to a Mercer County Health District news release.
District officials also reported 10 people have recovered, 16 pending cases, 175 negative test results, two hospitalizations and one death from COVID-19 in Mercer County.
People will be reported as recovered when they are released from isolation by the health district. Infected people who have been put into isolation are released from quarantine when at least seven days have passed since the onset of symptoms, they have been fever-free for at least 72 hours without taking fever-reducing medication and respiratory symptoms have improved.
As of Wednesday evening, the Ohio Department of Health reported 14,117 confirmed and probable cases, 2,882 hospitalizations and 610 confirmed and probable deaths.
COVID-19 symptoms include fever, cough and shortness of breath, according to the CDC. These symptoms may appear two to 14 days after exposure. Older adults and people who have severe underlying medical conditions such as heart or lung disease or diabetes seem to be at higher risk for developing more serious complications from COVID-19.
The CDC says people should seek medical attention if they experience emergency warning signs, including trouble breathing, persistent pain or pressure in the chest, new confusion and bluish lips or face. The list is not inclusive, and people should consult their medical provider for any other symptoms that are severe or concerning.
