Chickahominy Health District Confirms a “Presumptive Positive” Case  of Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19)

March 11, 2020

Media Contact: Caitlin Hodge, Caitlin.Hodge@vdh.virginia.gov

Chickahominy Health District Confirms a “Presumptive Positive” Case  of Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19)

(Hanover, VA.) – The Chickahominy Health District announced that a resident has tested “presumptive positive” for coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). This case marks the first case in the Chickahominy Health District, and the ninth case in the Commonwealth of Virginia.

“Discovering a case of COVID-19 in our community does not come as a surprise given international travel from an affected area,” said Chickahominy Health District Director Dr. Thomas Franck. “We are fortunate that the resident followed our public health advice in accordance with the latest guidelines by staying home and limiting contact with others; consequently, we believe the risk to the general community remains low.”

The presumptive positive case is a teen who resides within the Chickahominy Health District. The individual recently returned from international travel to an area with ongoing community transmission of Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). The resident returned to the United States on March 4 and followed guidelines to stay home for 14 days and monitor his health. The resident did not attend school. The resident developed symptoms on March 8 and was tested for the novel coronavirus by the Division of Consolidated Laboratory Services in Richmond. The positive test results returned today are considered presumptive, pending confirmation by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). The patient is currently doing well and is isolated at home.

Most patients with COVID-19 have only mild to moderate symptoms. However, in a small proportion of patients, COVID-19 can lead to more severe symptoms, including death, particularly among those who are older or those who have chronic medical conditions. Symptoms include fever, cough, and difficulty breathing. Symptoms appear within 14 days of being exposed to an infectious person. COVID-19 spreads primarily through respiratory droplets produced when an infected person coughs or sneezes.

To lower the risk of respiratory germ spread, including COVID-19, the Virginia Department of Health encourages the following effective behaviors:

  • Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. Use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer only if soap and water are not available.
  • Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth.
  • Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue or your sleeve (not your hands) when coughing or sneezing.
  • Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces.
  • Stay home when you are sick.
  • Avoid contact with sick people.

This is a rapidly changing situation, and information is being shared as it becomes available on the following websites: www.cdc.gov/coronavirus or www.vdh.virginia.gov/coronavirus/. Please consult www.vdh.virginia.gov/coronavirus for the latest number of COVID-19 cases in Virginia.

The Virginia Department of Health has also activated a public information line, 877-ASK-VDH3, for questions from residents about the novel coronavirus situation.