(Audubon) Audubon County Public Health Director Bob Nelson says Coronavirus is a new disease, and public health officials are learning more and more each day.
Bob Nelson admits it’s a significant public health concern, and as of Thursday, just over 97,000 people globally have it or have had it, with 3,500 deaths and 3000 those deaths in China. “You have to put that in perspective because that’s 3,000 out of 1.5 billion,” explained Nelson. “It’s a serious number, but considering the number of people, it’s not a large percentage.”
Nelson says out of the 97,000 plus cases of the virus, and amid the growing number of cases, another figure is rising, and that is recoveries. Nelson said as of Thursday, over 64,000 people have recovered from the virus. “Currently, if you look at all the numbers, there is a 3.4-percent death rate for this disease, and that is taking into effect the extremely fragile population,” said Nelson. “The people in their 50’s have a 1.4-percent, those in their 40’s, it’s a 0.4, and from 0-9, a 0.2 percent.”
Nelson says the United States reported cases at 80, and so far, none of those cases are in Iowa. “The threat to Iowa is low, and the cases in China continue to decrease,” said Nelson. “As far as preventing the COVID-19, people have to treat it just like the flu. If you have a fever, stay home, stay at least six feet away from other people, and, most importantly, wash your hands. Something as simple as washing hands can prevent so many of the illnesses floating around right now.”
Nelson says anyone with questions and concerns, can listen to the news and look at social media if you’d like. Still, the most accurate information is on the Iowa Department of Public Health website. “If you want the current facts to go to the Iowa Department of Public Health website,” said Nelson. “There is an incredible amount of updated information on that website that people can rely on.”
Health officials maintain the majority of patients who get COVID-19 will experience mild symptoms, but it’s the unknown about this virus that is a concern to many.
