LAS VEGAS (KTNV) — The fourth presumptive positive case of COVID-19, a disease caused by coronavirus, has been identified in Nevada.
Two cases were announced on Sunday. First, a presumed positive case was announced by Washoe County officials in Northern Nevada. Hours later, a new case in Clark County was announced by Southern Nevada Health District. These are the second cases for each county.
Nevada's first case was announced in Clark County on March 5, followed by the state's second case on March 6 in Washoe County.
Download a fact sheet about COVID-19 from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention here.
WHAT DOES 'PRESUMTIVE POSITIVE' MEAN?
All of the Nevada cases are "presumptive positive," meaning they tested positive at the local level and now need to be confirmed by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
WHAT DO WE KNOW ABOUT THE CASES?
To protect the privacy of the patients involved, public information about their cases is limited. Local health officials and representatives say they continue to work with federal agencies when it comes to handling coronavirus within the state. Here's what officials were able to share about these cases.
The first reported case in Clark County involves a veteran who is over 50 years old. He is currently in the hospital and has been quarantined. The health district says that the man does have an underlying health condition and they are hoping for the best.
Information on the second reported case in Clark County is set to be shared on Monday, according to a tweet from Southern Nevada Health District.
The first reported case in Washoe County involves a man in his 50s who was linked to the Grand Princess cruise ship outbreak. Officials say his condition is stable and he is self-isolating at home.
The second reported case in Washoe County involves a man in his 30s. He is isolated at home, and the county says his symptoms appeared after his only known travel, which was to Santa Clara, Calif.
WATCH: 13 Action News Coronavirus Special -- Facts Not Fear
WHAT ARE THE SYMPTOMS?
Part of what makes COVID-19 so difficult to diagnose is the symptoms are very similar to the common cold or the flu.
According to the CDC, known symptoms are:
- Fever
- Cough
- Shortness of breath
WHAT HAS THE RESPONSE BEEN FROM OFFICIALS?
The Southern Nevada Health District activated an information line at 702-759-4636 where residents can ask questions about coronavirus. It's available Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., according to the district.
Before you call, make sure to check the CDC's website. The agency has published extensive information about COVID-19, including who is at risk for serious illness from it, what the symptoms are, and prevention and treatment. You can access that at CDC.gov.
On Saturday, Gov. Steve Sisolak announced that an emergency regulation to help make preventative measures more accessible to Nevadans. The measure ensures no out-of-pocket costs for preventative services related to COVID-19, such as testing. The measure also says insurance companies must cover the cost of COVID-19 immunization when it becomes available.
The state has also set up a website for anyone with questions about the emergency regulation and what it means when it comes to your health insurance policy.
Click here for statements and responses from Clark County School District, McCarran International Airport, the Regional Transportation System, and more.
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WHAT HAS THE RESPONSE BEEN FROM THE TOURISM INDUSTRY?
Several casinos have said they are increasing sanitation and cleaning processes, including cleaning cars or shredding decks every few days, and multiple airlines have told 13 Action News that they are also increasing cleaning procedures.
At least one Las Vegas strip club is also taking extra safety precautions. Little Darlings says that it will be giving away a free bottle of hand sanitizer to each guest in the month of March while supplies last.
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WHAT DO I DO IF I GET SICK?
To help prevent the spread of the virus, it's recommended you stay home and contact a doctor if you get sick. Here's what the CDC says:
- Stay home and call your doctor
- Call your healthcare provider and let them know about your symptoms. Tell them that you have or may have COVID-19. This will help them take care of you and keep other people from getting infected or exposed.
- If you are not sick enough to be hospitalized, you can recover at home. Follow CDC instructions for how to take care of yourself at home.
- Know when to get emergency help
- Get medical attention immediately if you have any of the emergency warning signs listed above.
RELATED: What you may need if you are quarantined
HOW DO WE PREVENT THE SPREAD?
There is no vaccine to prevent COVID-19 at the moment, so health officials have been emphasizing steps to help prevention. Good practices like washing your hands and staying home from work when you are sick are the repeated message.
The CDC says:
- Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
- Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth.
- Stay home when you are sick.
- Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then throw the tissue in the trash.
- Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces using a regular household cleaning spray or wipe.
- Follow CDC’s recommendations for using a facemask.
- Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, especially after going to the bathroom; before eating; and after blowing your nose, coughing, or sneezing.
- If soap and water are not readily available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol. Always wash hands with soap and water if hands are visibly dirty.
When it comes to wearing facemasks, the CDC does not recommend them as preventive protection. Here's what the agency says:
The CDC does not recommend that people who are well wear a facemask to protect themselves from respiratory diseases, including COVID-19.
Facemasks should be used by people who show symptoms of COVID-19 to help prevent the spread of the disease to others. The use of facemasks is also crucial for health workers and people who are taking care of someone in close settings (at home or in a health care facility).
UPDATE MARCH 9: The Southern Nevada Health District says the second presumptive positive case of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is a woman in her 70s who is currently hospitalized and in isolation.
SNHD also says two adults have been identified as close contacts of this individual and are being asked to self-quarantine for 14 days.
The patient is reporting in-state travel prior to developing symptoms, the Health District says. It is working with its health care partners on this ongoing investigation.
ADDITIONAL RESOURCES FOR INFORMATION:
- 13 Action News brought a panel of experts into the studio on March 6 to answer viewer questions directly about novel coronavirus and COVID-19 during a live coronavirus special -- Facts Not Fear. Watch that here.
Stay with 13 Action News for the latest with coronavirus.
