Greene County health officials have confirmed the first COVID-19 case Monday.

According to Greene County Public Health and Greene County Medical Center, in conjunction with the Iowa Department of Public Health, the first case of COVID-19 in the county is an individual between 41-60 years-old. IDPH confirms the individual is self-isolating at home at this time. Greene County Public Health Director Becky Wolf is encouraging everyone to continue to take preventative methods to slow the spread of the virus.  

Those preventative measures include washing hands frequently with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, covering coughs and sneezes with a tissue or upper arm/elbow and staying home when sick. Common symptoms of COVID-19 include a fever, dry cough and shortness of breath. Anyone who feels sick must stay home and isolate themselves until you meet these criteria: having no fever for at least 72 hours without the use of medication, other symptoms have improved and staying home for at least seven days since the symptoms first appeared.

Greene County Public Health suggests calling your provider or 211 if you think you have symptoms of the virus and they can guide you in either staying home or seek medical attention. About 80-percent of Iowans who are infected with COVID-19 will experience only mild to moderate illness.