KDHE confirms COVID-19 case in Jackson County

The Kansas Department of Health and Environment has confirmed that a resident of Jackson County has tested positive for COVID-19. This is the first case in Jackson County, and the person is in isolation according to a letter from Jackson County Health Officer Angela Reith.

Area healthcare facilities including Holton Community Hospital and Community HealthCare System are prepared to test and treat patients for COVID-19 but emphasize that members of the public should take prevention measures seriously.

Patients should call their healthcare providers if they fever, cough, and shortness of breath.

Dr. David Allen of Community HealthCare System Holton Family Health Center said a positive case re-emphasizes the need for social distancing.

“People need to be responsible for themselves and their kids. We need to slow the spread and the intensity with which it hits the community,” Dr. Allen said.

All area healthcare facilities have protocols and guidelines in place to help prevent the spread of COVID-19. Officials at Holton Community Hospital emphasized that the Jackson County patient who tested positive for the virus did not enter the facility.

“Everyone did their part and followed identified procedures,” said Holton Community Hospital CEO Carrie Saia.

“By contacting our providers first, the patient was able to have a sample collected outside our facility. My staff utilized appropriate protective equipment and supplies,” Saia said.

Dr. Allen noted that Holton Family Health Center has been proactive and is ready to treat patients.

“We anticipated this being the case at some point in time. We have plans in place on the extended horizon to do immunization and wellness things that are timely but not urgent,” he said.

“We know this is a difficult time for our community. We are working daily to continue to provide our community the best possible healthcare. It is now more important than ever for our citizens to continue to practice social distancing and other guidelines set forth by the Kansas Department of Health and Environment and the CDC,” said Dr. Malia Warner, Chief of Medical Staff at Holton Community Hospital.

“We need to continue to support each other and reach out to others in a safe manner. We will get through this if all encourage and help one another,” Dr. Warner said.

Holton Community Hospital and Onaga Community Hospital, along with other area facilities, are closely screening patients and visitors and have made other changes. Patients should monitor websites and social media or call if they have questions.

Contact Holton Community Hospital at 785-364-2116 or www.holtonhospital.com or follow them on Facebook at Holton Community Hospital. Contact Community HealthCare System at 785-889-4272 or www.chcsks.org or follow them on Facebook at Community HealthCare System or on Twitter at @chcsks.