First COVID-19 case confirmed in Stoddard County

BLOOMFIELD, Mo. — The Stoddard County Public Health Center has been notified of the first positive case of COVID-19 in Stoddard County, the center announced via its Facebook page Wednesday.

The case is contact-related and the patient, a male in his early 40s, is quarantined at home, according to the Center.

“Health Department staff are working in coordination with the Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services (DHSS) to determine any close contacts of that individual who were possibly exposed. If there were any, health officials will provide guidance to these individuals and monitor them closely for the development of symptoms,” the health center’s post said.

Stoddard County officials stressed that residents should not panic and should not go to hospital emergency rooms. Those with symptoms—fever and cough or difficulty breathing—should first call their health care provider to discuss their situation before going to a facility.

Social distancing and excessive hand washing are still the best methods of preventing the spread of COVID-19, according to the health center.

“Staying home if you are sick and avoiding close contact with others will help us limit any spread. It's important to note that community transmission is not a factor at this point in Stoddard County,” the post said.

The statewide COVID-19 hotline also operates 24 hours a day, seven days a week at 877-435-8411.