This is a joint news release issued by the Whiteside County Health Department and CGH Medical Centers
First Positive Coronavirus Case in Whiteside County
March 15, 2020 – Whiteside County has identified its first positive case of novel coronavirus disease
(COVID-19). Our local health officials are working closely with the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) and
the Illinois Department of Health (IDPH). This case is considered presumptive positive until it is
confirmed by the CDC. The individual is an adult in their 40s. Further details about the individual will not
be released to protect the privacy of the individual and their family. The individual has been isolated
since testing and is currently recovering at home. Both the individual and their close contacts are being
monitored by the Whiteside County Health Department.
We have been expecting that an Illinois resident in the northwest Illinois region would become infected
and have all been working diligently to minimize the impact to our communities and limit the spread of
the disease. As you know, COVID-19 is highly contagious, so our advanced planning did not include what
would happen ‘if’ there was a case in Whiteside County, but ‘when’. We are well equipped to care for
COVID-19 patients in our area.
Unless it is an emergency, we advise individuals who think they may have COVID-19, or have had close
contact with someone diagnosed or under evaluation for possible exposure, to STAY HOME and CALL
their healthcare provider for further direction. (Close contact means having been within 6 feet of that
person for an extended time or being exposed to their cough or sneeze.) DO NOT GO TO THE
EMERGENCY ROOM, A WALK-IN CLINIC, OR YOUR DOCTOR’S OFFICE. CALL AHEAD AND FOLLOW YOUR
HEALTHCARE PROVIDER’S INSTRUCTIONS . Symptoms of COVID-19 include fever, cough (or other cold or
flu-like symptoms), difficulty breathing and/or shortness of breath.
The novel coronavirus, which causes the disease known as COVID-19, is a member of the same family of
viruses that causes colds. Preliminary data suggests that while this illness is relatively mild in 80% of
cases, it can cause serious complications, especially in the elderly and those with underlying health
conditions. At this time, there is no approved treatment or vaccine for COVID-19, so we need to work
together as a community to protect ourselves and those most at risk for complications. We continue to
encourage everyone to practice good hygiene to reduce your risk of spreading or becoming infected
with a respiratory virus, such as influenza or COVID-19. This includes:
● Practicing social distancing and avoiding close contact with people who are sick
● Staying home when sick with fever or respiratory symptoms (runny nose, sneezing, chest
congestion, coughing or shortness of breath)
● Washing hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. Soap and water are preferred;
if they aren’t available at a given time-use a hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol content
● Covering your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then throw the tissue in the trash
● Avoiding touching your eyes, nose and mouth
● Cleaning and disinfecting frequently touched objects and surfaces
For more information about coronavirus (COVID-19), and the latest updates and guidance in this rapidly
evolving situation, please visit cdc.gov/covid19 or www.cghmc.com/covid19. For general questions
about COVID-19, call the Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) hotline at 1-800-889-3931 or email
dph.sick@illinois.gov .
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