No cases of coronavirus disease (COVID-19) in Johnson County, Kansas

JOHNSON COUNTY, KAN. (March 3, 2020) – The Johnson County Department of Health and Environment (JCDHE) wants to assure residents that there are no confirmed cases of coronavirus disease (COVID-19) in the county, therefore the risk to the public is low. This is an evolving situation and is subject to change.

The department is monitoring travelers who are currently without symptoms and have returned from countries where ongoing widespread transmission of COVID-19 is occurring.

This number of travelers being monitored fluctuates daily. Travelers are monitored for symptoms for 14 days after they arrive into the United States. Travelers are asked to self-quarantine and report symptoms of fever, cough or shortness of breath to the health department. Contacts (family, friends, colleagues) of individuals without symptoms do not need to self-quarantine (can go to work, school) and pose no risk to the community.

Only individuals meeting the criteria below will be tested and are considered a Person Under Investigation (PUI):

• History of travel to countries where widespread transmission is occurring (China, Iran, Italy, South Korea and Japan) and fever and respiratory symptoms within 14 days of symptom onset.
• Close contact (about 6 feet) with a person that has laboratory-confirmed COVID-19 and fever and respiratory symptoms (cough and shortness of breath).
• Fever and severe acute lower respiratory illness (e.g., pneumonia) requiring hospitalization and without an alternative diagnosis (e.g., influenza).

“We understand the public is concerned about the spread of this disease in our area, but you cannot become ill with COVID-19 unless you have been exposed to the virus,” says Mary Beverly, JCDHE Deputy Director. “Since there are no cases in our area right now, the risk of COVID-19 in Johnson County is low.”

Prevention tips include:

• Staying away from people who are ill, especially if you are 60 and older or have underlying health conditions such as diabetes, heart disease, lung disease, or a weakened immune system.
• Staying home when sick.
• Practicing personal hygiene habits including handwashing, coughing into tissue or elbow, avoid touching eyes, nose, or mouth.
• Staying informed. Information is changing frequently. Visit www.cdc.gov/COVID19 or www.jocogov.org/coronavirus.