Third Coronavirus Case Confirmed In Wisconsin

DANE COUNTY, WI — Less than 24 hours after health officials said Wisconsin had its second confirmed new coronavirus case, known as COVID-19, comes news that the state has its third confirmed case.

“As this is the second confirmed case of COVID-19 in Dane County, we have the experience in caring for patients in isolation and contacting those who may have been in contact with the patient. We will continue working with DHS and CDC, as well as our local health care providers and other partners, to limit the spread of COVID-19 in the community,” Janel Heinrich, Director of Public Health Madison and Dane County said in a statement Tuesday morning.

Dane County's first case was reported in early February. That person has now been cleared of the virus and has returned to health, officials said. It was the state's first confirmed COVID-19 case.

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Health officials said Wisconsin had its second confirmed case on Monday, March 9. The second case was in Pierce County, which is located in Western Wisconsin, southeast of Minneapolis along the Mississippi river. Health officials say the person involved in the state's second case 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.

Wisconsin's Third Case

The Wisconsin Department of Health Services and Public Health Madison and Dane County said Wisconsin's third confirmed case involves a person who was exposed while traveling in the United States. That person is currently isolated at home, health officials said.

Health officials in Dane County said they are working to determine the people who have been in contact with the patient to isolate or quarantine people and test those who are exhibiting symptoms.

“We are working with our local health departments to make sure everyone who has been in contact with our confirmed cases is notified. We continue to urge state residents to take precautions to avoid illness,” said State Health Officer Jeanne Ayers said in a statement Tuesday morning. “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 and guidance on COVID-19.”

Health officials are urging people who have traveled in the past 14 days to places where there is community spread of COVID-19, are asked to self-quarantine themselves and monitor for symptoms for 14 days.

If symptoms, like fever, cough, or difficulty breathing are present, they should contact their local health department and health care provider for possible testing. People should call ahead before arriving at a health care facility for testing, officials said.

Wisconsin Preparing For Disruptions

Health officials say if COVID-19 begins to 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 canceling mass gatherings.

Decisions about the implementation of community measures would be made by state and local officials based on CDC guidance, as well as the scope of the outbreak.

According to health officials in Wisconsin, people should follow simple steps to avoid getting sick, including:

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

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