Second Case Of Coronavirus Confirmed in Wisconsin

PIERCE COUNTY, WI — The Wisconsin Department of Health Services and the Pierce County Public Health Department said Monday evening that a second person has tested positive for the new coronavirus, also known as COVID-19. Pierce County is located in Western Wisconsin, southeast of Minneapolis along the Mississippi river.

Health officials say the person was exposed while traveling within the U.S. and is currently isolated at home. County health officials are working to determine people who have been in contact with the patient to isolate or quarantine people and test those who are exhibiting symptoms. Officials will hold a briefing Tuesday to answer further questions.

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“With a second confirmed case in our state we continue to urge state residents to take precautions to avoid illness,” said State Health Officer Jeanne Ayers in a statement Monday evening. “As guidance is evolving, it’s important for people to monitor the DHS and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) websites for the latest information on COVID-19.”

According to Wisconsin health officials, people who have traveled to places with active COVID-19 in the past 14 days have been asked to self-monitor and self-quarantine themselves.

If symptoms, like fever, cough, or breathing problems occur, they are asked to contact their local health department and health care provider for possible testing.

“The Pierce County Public Health Department will continue to work closely with our partners to respond to this situation. The individual who tested positive is cooperating with home isolation. Their family is also staying home,” said AZ Snyder Pierce County Health Officer.

Wisconsin saw its first coronavirus case in early February. The patient in Wisconsin who tested positive was an adult who traveled to Beijing before being infected and was exposed to known cases in China, the department said.

Officials said the person went from a local airport to the University of Wisconsin hospital to be tested. By early March, health officials said the person had recovered and was no longer at risk of spreading the virus to others.

If Coronavirus Spreads In Wisconsin

Wisconsin Department of Health and Human Services officials said that if COVID-19 cases spread in Wisconsin communities, state and local public health officials would consider community interventions such as temporary closures of child care facilities and schools, workplace social distancing measures such as replacing in-person meetings with teleworking, and modifying, postponing, or cancelling mass gatherings.

Decisions about the implementation of community measures would be made by state and local officials based on U.S. Center for Disease Control guidance as well as the scope of the outbreak.

State health officials say they are working with local and tribal health officers, health care providers, and other partners to be prepared in the event of a COVID-19 pandemic. While the risk of getting the illness remains low, people should follow simple steps to avoid getting sick, including:

• Frequent and thorough hand washing.
• Covering coughs and sneezes.
• Avoiding touching your face.
• Staying home when sick.

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