Cape Girardeau County health officials confirm second positive case of COVID-19

This illustration provided by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention in January 2020 shows the 2019 Novel Coronavirus (2019-nCoV). This virus was identified as the cause of an outbreak of respiratory illness first detected in Wuhan, China. (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention via AP)

The Cape Girardeau County Public Health Center has confirmed the second positive case of COVID-19, which was reported by a commercial laboratory in Cape Girardeau County. The individual is a male in his 40’s and is in isolation. Public health officials are investigating the situation and tracing any close contacts to the case. The method of transmission is likely travel related. The case will continue to be monitored by the Cape Girardeau County Public Health Center.

We would like to remind everyone that the number of cases we see in our community can be reduced significantly by adhering to public health recommendations such as, social distancing, washing hands, and staying home when ill.

Residents with questions about COVID-19 or any individual with symptoms should call the Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services’ 24-hour hotline at 1-877-435-8411, their private provider or call the St. Francis Nurses’ Hotline at (573)331-4200 to discuss the possibility of testing.

Due to increased testing capabilities reporting on individual cases will become difficult. Therefore, going forward, Cape Girardeau County Public Health Center will release the total reported case in Cape Girardeau County at 4:30 PM each day through a news release, social media, and our website.