The Minnesota Department of Health confirmed its first case of COVID-19 in Mille Lacs County.
The individual is a resident of Mille Lacs County in their 60s. Mille Lacs County Public Health is working with health officials from MDH to evaluate if this person traveled and with whom they might have come in contact, according to a Thursday, April 16, news release. People identified will be asked to quarantine themselves for 14 days from their exposure date and will be monitored for fever and respiratory symptoms.
State health officials have repeatedly warned confirmed cases are likely a significant undercount of actual COVID-19 cases circulating in the state, and noted residents should assume the respiratory disease caused by the novel coronavirus is circulating in all Minnesota communities.
Symptoms, recommendations and resources
In a majority of cases, COVID-19 causes mild or moderate symptoms, such as fever, cough, and shortness of breath. For some, especially older adults and people with existing health problems, it can cause more severe illness, including pneumonia.
According to the World Health Organization, people with mild illness recover in about two weeks, while those with more severe illness may take three to six weeks to recover. Health officials recommend individuals and families make a plan in case someone gets sick. They also suggest following the same steps for avoiding the flu:
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Stay home and away from others if sick.
Cover coughs and sneezes with an elbow or a tissue.
Wash hands frequently for 20 seconds with soap and water.
Avoid touching the face.
The Minnesota Department of Health has set up COVID-19 hotlines available every day from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.:
School and childcare questions: 651-297-1304 or 1-800-657-3504.
Health questions: 651-201-3920 or 1-800-657-3903.
Visit cdc.gov and health.state.mn.us for more information about COVID-19.
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