CHESTERFIELD COUNTY, Va. -- A Chesterfield County man has tested positive for coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), the Chesterfield Health District confirmed. The patient, who is in his 60s, recently returned from a country with COVID-19 cases.
When he returned home, health officials said he stayed home and monitored his health.
“Confirming a case of COVID-19 in a Chesterfield resident does not come as a surprise given international travel from an affected area,” Chesterfield Health District Director Dr. Alexander Samuel said. “We have been on high alert for possible cases of residents with COVID-19 and are working hard to identify possible cases.”
The patient is "doing well" and "isolated at home," officials said.
"Most patients have mild to moderate symptoms. However, in a small proportion of patients, COVID-19 can lead to more severe illness, including death, particularly among those who are older or those who have chronic medical conditions," health officials advised.
Symptoms include:
Fever
Cough
Difficulty breathing
Symptoms appear within 14 days of being exposed to an infectious person.
COVID-19 spreads primarily through respiratory droplets produced when an infected person coughs or sneezes.
To lower the risk of respiratory germ spread, including COVID-19, the Virginia Department of Health encourages the following effective behaviors:
· Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. Use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer only if soap and water are not available.
· Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth.
· Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue or your sleeve (not your hands) when coughing or sneezing.
· Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces.
· Stay home when you are sick.
· Avoid contact with sick people.
The Virginia Department of Health has also activated a public information line, 877-ASK-VDH3, for questions from residents about the novel coronavirus situation.