Greenlee County reports its first case of COVID-19

Staff Reports

GREENLEE COUNTY – Greenlee County is reportedly investigating a confirmed positive test for the novel coronavirus COVID-19.

The county was the last of Arizona’s 15 counties to report a positive test. Graham County has had two positive tests for the virus, but both patients have since made a full recovery.

The Greenlee Health Department released the following brief Sunday afternoon.

The Greenlee County Health Department is investigating a confirmed case of COVID-19. The positive case was travel-related and all involved individuals are being isolated and quarantined. Health officials continue to conduct investigations to identify any close contacts that may have been exposed while the positive person was infectious. Any individuals who have been identified will be contacted directly.

The Health Department has been working with partners in the County to minimize the impact of this event and limit the spread throughout our Community. The Department had already been in contact with the individual who tested positive prior to receiving results. We will continue to monitor known contacts with this case and work, as a whole community, to minimize the spread of this virus.

The Health Department is advising that individuals who are sick with fever and cough to contact their health care provider by telephone if they have concerns. Unless you have severe symptoms such as difficulty breathing, it is unlikely you need to go to an emergency room or urgent care. Health care providers are in the best position to determine if an individual should be tested for COVID-19. Make sure you contact your health care provider ahead of time, if possible, to avoid exposing anyone in the waiting room.

There is currently no treatment or vaccine for COVID-19. This is very important because a positive test will not change how an individual is treated. Similar to how we manage flu, sick individuals with mild symptoms should stay at home, drink plenty of fluids, and take over the counter medications until they recover.”

General things that everyone should do to prevent the spread of all respiratory illnesses include:

  • ●  Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
  • ●  Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth.
  • ●  Stay home when you are sick.
  • ●  Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then throw the tissue in the trash.
  • ●  Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces using a regular EPA registered household cleaning spray or wipes.
  • ●  Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. If soap and water are not readily available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer. What you need to know about COVID-19:
  • ●  COVID-19 causes a wide range of symptoms including fever, cough, and difficulty breathing.
  • ●  Most people (about 80%) develop only mild symptoms, particularly children.
  • ●  Like influenza, those most likely to develop a severe disease are people older than 60 years and those with other medical conditions like heart or lung disease.
  • ●  The virus is spread person-to-person via respiratory droplets produced when an infected person coughs or sneezes.
  • ●  People who are most at risk of becoming infected are those who have prolonged, close contact with a person who is infected with COVID-19 and is symptomatic.
  • ●  There is currently no vaccine or treatment for COVID-19. Additional information may be obtained at https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus, https://www.azdhs.gov, and
    https://www.greenlee.az.gov.

Reach the Greenlee County Health Department at (928) 865-2601