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Fifth case of COVID-19 reported in Stanislaus
Millennials might be in greater danger from virus than previously thought
coronavirus

The Stanislaus County Health Services Agency reported Wednesday morning that the county now has a fifth positive case of the coronavirus.

The fifth case of COVID-19 in Stanislaus County is of an adult male. His point of infection is currently under investigation by the health department.

“This is the third case reported so far this week,” SCHSA wrote in a news release. “The situation continues to change rapidly and guidance for increasing mitigation measures will be issued if new cases continue to be identified at this rate.”

With physicians being able to request tests from commercial labs, SCHSA said on Tuesday they would only be reporting positive cases moving forward.

At a Wednesday morning press briefing at the White House, Dr. Deborah Birx with the U.S. coronavirus task force pointed to new data coming out of Italy and France that has health officials concerned the virus might have a bigger impact on younger adults than previously thought.

“There are concerning reports coming out of France and Italy about some young people getting seriously ill, very seriously ill, in the ICU,” Birx said.

“We think part of this may be that people heeded the early data coming out of China and coming out of South Korea about the elderly or those with pre-existing medical conditions were at particular risk. It may have been that the millennial generation, our largest generation, our future generation that will carry us through for the next multiple decades - there may be a disproportional number of infections among that group, and so, even if it’s a rare occurrence, it may be seen more frequently in that group and be evident now.

“We have not seen any significant mortality in the children, but we are concerned about the early reports coming out of Italy and France,” Birx continued. “So again, I’m going to call on that generation… not only calling on you to heed what’s in the guidance, but to really ensure that each and every one of you are protecting each other.”

The Center for Disease Control and Prevention announced COVID-19 is now in every state and the U.S. territories. The CDC’s latest report was of 7,038 cases and 97 deaths, as of Wednesday morning.

The California Department of Public Health reported 13 deaths and 598 cases as of Tuesday night. 

The best way to prevent illness is to avoid being exposed to this virus. The virus is thought to spread mainly from person-to-person between people who are in close contact with one another (within about 6 feet). This occurs through respiratory droplets produced when an infected person coughs or sneezes. These droplets can land in the mouths or noses of people who are nearby or possibly be inhaled into the lungs. Older adults and people who have severe underlying chronic medical conditions like heart or lung disease or diabetes seem to be at higher risk for developing more serious complications from COVID-19 illness.

Health officials recommend people:

- Washing hands with soap and water for a minimum of 20 seconds.

- Avoiding touching eyes, nose or mouth with unwashed hands.

- Cover a cough or sneeze with your sleeve, or disposable tissue. Wash your hands afterward.

- Avoiding close contact with people who are sick.

- Staying away from work, school or other people if you become sick with respiratory symptoms like fever and cough.

Symptoms of COVID-19 include a fever, a dry cough, and body aches. If you are experiencing symptoms of COVID-19 and may have had contact with a person with COVID-19, or recently traveled to countries with apparent community spread, call your healthcare provider or local public health department first before seeking medical care so that appropriate precautions can be taken.