Louisa County reported its first positive case of the COVID-19 coronavirus on Thursday.
The county health department says an adult between the ages of 61 and 80 is self-isolating at home.
“While this is Louisa County’s first case, it may not be the last, and that’s why we encourage all residents to continue to make prevention a priority,” Louisa County Public Health Administrator Roxanne Smith said in a media release.
Smith echoed what health departments around the nation have urged people to do in order to stay safe. Wash hands frequently with soap and water for at least 20 seconds each time. Cover coughs and sneezes with a tissue or elbow/upper arm. Stay home when ill. These are measures everyone can take to help slow the spread of the coronavirus.
Approximately 80% of Iowans infected with the coronavirus will experience only a mild to moderate illness. Most mildly ill Iowans do not need to go to their healthcare provider or be tested to confirm they have the coronavirus.
Sick Iowans must stay home and isolate themselves from others in their house.