Daviess County Health Nurse Kathy Sullender reported that for the first time since coronavirus was identified in the Daviess Count on April 4th, no new cases have been reported at the Ketchem Memorial Center in Odon. Sullender was the special guest at a virtual Zoom meeting of the Washington Rotary Club today.
The County Health nurse said that as of Wednesday at noon, there have been 49 positive cases of the virus identified in Daviess County, with the vast majority of those related to the Ketchem Center in Odon. Those cases are responsible for 13 of the 14 deaths due to the virus in Daviess County. Sullender said there are 8 cases that were not related to Ketchem, and those individuals were exposed at work out of the county. There has been one death from outside the Ketchem group.
Sullender reviewed symptoms that people who have tested positive have described. She said the 95% have experienced a loss of taste and/or smell; most, but not all, have a fever, some have had bouts of vomiting or diarrhea; shortness of breath, and fatigue. Anyone exhibiting symptoms should quarantine and isolate yourself until you have not had any symptoms for three consecutive days. Sullender said that recovery times have varied. She reported that a 94 year old had symptoms for one day, while a relatively healthy 30 year old took 25 days to recover.
Sullender also warned, that as more people are tested, there will be higher numbers of people who have tested positive. She also warned that two people in Evansville have experienced the virus twice. The County Health Nurse said that although the virus was not reported in Daviess County until the first part of April, she feels that it was present, but not diagnosed, as far back as perhaps January.
She had this advice for Daviess County residents moving forward, as the state anticipates reopening
1. Maintain Social Distancing…this is the most important…especially as things begin to open up.
2. Wear masks…this may become a requirement for those going out in public.
3. Don’t share items
4. Wipe down surfaces.
5.Wash your hands.
Sullender also advised that all homemade masks should be kept in a zip-lock bag when not in use, and should be washed each day. And to keep you glasses from fogging up, Sullender advised putting a piece of paper tape, or a Kleenex across the bridge of your nose.
The local Rotarians expressed their thanks to the County Health Department and especially to Sullender for the effort the Daviess County Health Department has spent working to protect the health of the people of Daviess County.