First COVID-19 case confirmed in Trempealeau County

The Trempealeau County Health Department reported its first confirmed case of COVID-19 Wednesday evening.

A release sent by TCHD Director Barb Barczak said the department received notification of the confirmed case Wednesday afternoon. No further information about the person has been released at this time. 

“Our Public Health Team is prepared to respond to COVID-19 and continue our efforts to protect Trempealeau County residents” Barczak said. 

The Health Department will follow up with those individuals that the person came in contact with.  

In a story that appeared in this week's Times, Barczak predicted that the county would have cases saying "It'll happen eventually. It's just too contagious." 

Trempealeau County was among 29 of the state's 72 counties that had no confirmed cases before Wednesday. 

The state Department of Health Services updates the number of virus cases at 1 p.m. daily at https://www.dhs.wisconsin.gov/outbreaks/index.htm.

People with confirmed infections have a range of symptoms, from little to no symptoms to people being severely sick and dying. Symptoms may include fever, cough, and shortness of breath.  For many, symptoms are mild, with no fever. It is important to know that you can still spread (transmit) the virus to others even if you have mild or no symptoms.

COVID-19 is spread through respiratory droplets that are released when a sick (infected) person coughs, sneezes, or breathes. These droplets can remain in the air and on surfaces for an extended period of time. When people breathe in (inhale) the droplets, or touch surfaces that have been contaminated and then touch their mouth, face, or eyes, the virus can make them sick.

The health department released the following steps to avoid the spread of COVID-19: 

• Stay home. Avoid social gatherings with people of all ages (including playdates and sleepovers, parties, large family dinners, visitors in your home, non-essential workers in your house).  It is important to stay home if you’re are ill. 

• Practice good hygiene. 

• Wash your hands regularly for at least 20 seconds. If soap and water are not available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol. 

• Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when you cough or sneeze or use the inside of your elbow. 

• Eat a nutritious diet and get plenty of rest. 

• If you are having symptoms, please call your health care provider.