Posted on March 12, 2020 at 3:49 PM by Nancy McCormick
The Loudoun County Health Department announced that a second resident tested “presumptive positive” for coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). Additionally, there are two outstanding tests awaiting results from the state lab and an unknown number of outstanding tests awaiting results from private labs.
The second presumptive positive case is a male in his 40s who lives in Loudoun County. The “presumptive positive” test result was returned to the Health Department late Wednesday evening, March 11, 2020. This individual, who was identified through the Health Department’s follow-up investigation, is a known close contact to the first case that Loudoun County announced on Tuesday, March 10, 2020. The resident was subsequently tested for the novel coronavirus by the Division of Consolidated Laboratory Services in Richmond. The positive test result is considered a presumptive positive, pending confirmatory testing by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The patient is currently doing well and is isolated at home. The patient reports to have had no contact with the Loudoun County Public Schools system.
The coronavirus that causes COVID-19 can cause mild to more severe respiratory illness. In a small proportion of patients, COVID-19 can cause death, particularly among those who are older or 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.
- Avoid non-essential travel.
This is a rapidly changing situation, and information is being shared as it becomes available. Residents may learn more and sign up for updates about COVID-19 from the Loudoun County government at loudoun.gov/coronavirus. Residents may also text LCCOVID19 to 888777 receive text alerts from Loudoun County about COVID-19.
Residents with questions may call the Loudoun County Health Department public information line, 703-737-8300, or send an email.
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