Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is a respiratory illness that can spread from person to person. The virus that causes COVID-19 is a novel (new) coronavirus that was first identified is Wuhan, China. Being a novel virus, new information is being learned about the virus and this is an evolving situation. Pitt County Health Department is keeping in close contact with local, state and federal partners to stay up-to-date on the latest developments. The Health Department is prepared to respond to cases of COVID-19, if the need arises. We have preparedness plans in place that can be activated quickly.
Currently, there is one presumptive case of COVID-19 in North Carolina. (Presumptive means their preliminary test was positive and awaiting confirmation from Centers for Disease Control lab.)
Do your part to help prevent the spread of any disease:
- Stay home if you are sick
- Avoid close contact with people who are sick
- Wash your hands frequently using soap and water or an alcohol-based hand sanitizer
- Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth with unwashed hands
- Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, or your elbow.
- Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces
Statement from the Pitt County Public Health Director, John L. Silvernail, MD, MPH
Fellow Pitt County Residents,
New or Novel infections bring many challenges to our community and the healthcare system. First, I want to assure you that Pitt County Health Department is closely monitoring this situation and we are working with other local government officials and local healthcare providers to navigate this event. Second, no one should panic. While the infection spreads rapidly and there have been severe cases, most people will experience a mild illness if they contract the infection. Finally, Federal authorities are working to develop treatment for the infection and a vaccine to help prevent the infection. Please know that Pitt County Health Department will be here to support our community and local healthcare providers for the duration of this outbreak.
For more information of COVID-19, please visit the following links:
NC Department of Health and Human Services Division of Public Health: https://epi.dph.ncdhhs.gov/cd/diseases/COVID19.html
Centers of Disease Control and Prevention: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/index.html