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Fond du Lac County reports 1st COVID-19 case from direct contact with Egyptian river cruise traveler

Posted at 7:34 PM, Mar 18, 2020
and last updated 2020-03-18 22:07:11-04

Fond du Lac County's latest case of COVID-19 was contracted through direct contact with an Egyptian river cruise traveler, according to the local health officer.

The county has 14 cases total, a majority of them are tied to the cruise.

Health Officer Kim Mueller says Centers for Disease Control and Prevention arrived in Fond du Lac County Monday.

"We have four of them with us now. Their emphasis is on that Egyptian river cruise and just understanding spread," said Mueller.

CDC is helping identify and follow up with people who had close contact with an infected person.

"It isn't just that we are dealing with positive cases from this Egyptian river cruise. I guess nationwide there’s a bunch of different outbreaks and other places that are dealing with Egyptian river cruises," said Mueller.

Due to COVID-19, emergency officials have changed how they screen all 911 calls to keep responders safe.

"We are asking callers if anyone in their home has been/is being tested for COVID-19 and also asking if they have symptoms such as difficulty breathing, coughing, or a fever," said Bobbi Hicken, Director of Communication and Emergency Management."

With no idea when COVID-19 will slow down, they are directing people with flu-like symptoms to call a doctor and not 911. In a week they had nearly a dozen potential COVID-19 sick calls.

"It takes time we realize that but realize we can’t make that happen any faster but what will bog us down is if we're responding to the number of calls that are not medically necessary," said Fire Chief Peter O'Leary, with Fond du Lac Fire/Rescue.

Fond du Lac County residents who believe they had contact with a known COVID-19 case and have symptoms may call (844) 225-0147. Mueller says the line has been ringing constantly and advised people to leave a message.

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