April 13 – Walworth County has 45 laboratory confirmed cases of COVID-19. The rise in cases is
partially attributable to an increase in private laboratories receiving authorization to test
for COVID-19. This provides physicians opportunities to test people who are not
severely ill. Delays in testing data have also skewed Walworth County’s numbers. Late
last week, Public Health received results for tests that were performed in late March.
Public Health has monitored the suspected cases while awaiting lab confirmation and
observed some recovering fully before testing data was available.
The increase in confirmed cases has not overwhelmed available health care resources.
“Our health care systems are strong and our health care workers are doing phenomenal
work,” stated Erica Bergstrom, Public Health Officer. “We are hopeful because we are
seeing people recover, including some who have been hospitalized.”
Walworth County also experienced its first three COVID-19 deaths, all older adults.
“This virus is particularly hard on those 65 and older. These people also had multiple
underlying conditions that complicated their medical care,” added Bergstrom. “We
extend our sympathies to the families and friends of those we recently lost. We must
continue to work together to protect our most vulnerable neighbors.” The Division of Public Health is not publicly releasing the locations of the deaths or
confirmed cases, although this information is being shared with dispatch centers.
“The virus is widespread throughout our communities,” Bergstrom stated. In response to a question from the Banner, Carlo Nevicosi, Deputy Director, Walworth County Department of Health & Human Services, indicated that “We’ve detected community spread in all major Walworth County communities.” Previously Mr. Nevicosi had confirmed that Whitewater is considered a major county community, so this would indicate that here there have been one or more instances of the virus having been spread beyond the originally infected household. “If you have been in close contact with a confirmed case, you will be notified. Please continue to adhere
to physical distancing practices to control the spread of the infection,” Bergstrom concluded.
Public Health advises that if you feel sick, stay at home. Remain at home until you are
fever-free for three days without fever-reducing medication, have significant
improvement in symptoms, and seven days have passed since your symptoms first
appeared.
This is a rapidly evolving situation. For the latest information, visit the CDC’s website,
the DHS website, or the Walworth County website at www.co.walworth.wi.us.
