Chickahominy Health District Confirms Third Case of Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19)

March 18, 2020

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

Chickahominy Health District Confirms Third Case of Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19)

(Charles City, VA.) – The Chickahominy Health District announced that a Charles City County resident has tested positive for coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). This is the third case in the Chickahominy Health District, and the first case in Charles City County. The case is a female who had close contact with a person diagnosed with COVID-19 in Virginia.

“Our primary goal right now is to prevent the spread of COVID-19 in the community,” stated Dr. Thomas Franck, Director of the Chickahominy Health District. “The health department has activated its Incident Management Team, and will be conducting a full epidemiologic investigation in order to identify all potential contacts. These individuals will be interviewed by a member of our team and provided with specific recommendations.”

Most patients with COVID-19 have mild to moderate symptoms. However, in a small proportion of patients, COVID-19 can lead to more severe symptoms, 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 stop the spread of COVID-19, each of us has the responsibility to follow these commonsense public health recommendations:

  • Stay home when you are sick.
  • 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.
  • Avoid contact with sick people.
  • If you are experiencing symptoms, call your doctor.

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 Chickahominy Health District has also activated a coronavirus hotline, which will be staffed M-F from 8:00am-4:30pm. Community members may call: 804-365-3340.