Online Update: Barton County Confirms 5 More Cases of COVID-19

The Barton County Health Department announced June 18 that five additional positive cases of COVID-19 have been confirmed in Barton County. The total of active cases in the county is currently 15.

The five new cases are related to exposure from previously confirmed cases. All infected individuals are located in the western part of the county and have been in isolation since the onset of symptoms. The risk to the community is considered to minimal.

The BCHD is not releasing further details on the cases to protect the privacy of the affected individuals, who are under quarantine and close monitoring by the health department. The department is working with the Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services to determine any close contacts the individuals may have had that could possibly have been exposed. Any such persons will be given instructions on appropriate social distancing, monitoring, and immediate actions should they develop signs and symptoms of COVID-19.

The BCHD said that COVID-19 is spread from person to person, and although more than 80 percent of patients who develop it will only become mildly ill, the greatest concern is for patients with underlying medical conditions and the elderly, who are more likely to need hospital-level supportive care.

The following symptoms are primary signs of COVID-19:

A fever of 100.4 degrees (F) or higher - 90 percent of infected individuals will have a fever.

A dry cough - 70 percent of infected individuals will have a dry cough.

Shortness of breath – for those who become more acutely ill.

To be evaluated for symptoms of COVID-19, or if symptoms worsen, the BCHD is asking individuals to call their local healthcare provider or hospital prior to seeking treatment. Those who feel they may have the virus need to give health care providers plenty of warning so safety precautions can be taken prior to their arrival to help prevent infection of healthcare workers and others.

The Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services is operating a hotline for residents and health care providers to call for information and guidance about COVID-19. The statewide hotline number is 877-435-8411. The hotline is being operated by medical professionals and is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.