Thursday, April 16th, 2020
Number of Auglaize County cases jumps to 18
By Leslie Gartrell
WAPAKONETA - The Auglaize County Health Department reported three new cases of COVID-19 on Wednesday bringing the county's total to 18.
The three new cases involve women ages 87, 84 and 86, respectively. All are self isolating at home.
Testing was completed by a privately contracted lab, according to the health department. Department officials also reported four hospitalizations and one death from COVID-19.
No new cases of COVID-19 were reported in Mercer County, according to the Mercer County Health District. The district has reported 13 confirmed cases, 16 pending cases, 127 negative cases, two hospitalizations and one death due to COVID-19 as of Wednesday evening.
The district also has reported four people have recovered. People are reported as recovered when they are released from isolation by district officials.
An infected person who has been put into isolation is released from quarantine when at least seven days have passed since the onset of symptoms, been fever-free for at least 72 hours without taking fever-reducing medication and respiratory symptoms have improved.
In a news release Tuesday, the district noted the number of confirmed cases of COVID-19 appears to be leveling off locally and statewide. However, officials urged people to continue to follow the stay-at-home order and limit contact until May 1.
As of Wednesday evening, the Ohio Department of Health reported 7,628 confirmed cases, 2,237 hospitalizations and 346 confirmed deaths due to COVID-19.
COVID-19 symptoms include fever, cough and shortness of breath, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. These symptoms may appear two to 14 days after exposure. Older adults and people who have severe underlying medical conditions such as heart or lung disease or diabetes seem to be at higher risk for developing more serious complications from COVID-19.
The CDC says people should seek medical attention if they experience emergency warning signs, including trouble breathing, persistent pain or pressure in the chest, new confusion and bluish lips or face.
The list is not inclusive, and people should consult their medical provider for any other symptoms that are severe or concerning.
