First Coronavirus Death In Fairfax County Reported

FAIRFAX COUNTY, VA — On Saturday, the Fairfax County Health Department reported its first death related to new coronavirus, also known as COVID-19. It marked the third death related to COVID-19 in Virginia. The other two deaths happened in southeast Virginia's Peninsula Health District.

The patient was a Fairfax County man in his 60s who was hospitalized. He was exposed to COVID-19 through contact with a previously reported case. The cause of death was identified as respiratory failure due to COVID-19.

"We are saddened by the first confirmed death of a Fairfax County resident due to COVID-19. Our hearts go out to his loved ones," said Dr. Gloria Addo-Ayensu, director of health at the Fairfax County Health Department. "The health of our residents is our top priority and we ask that everyone do their part to slow the spread of the virus in our community."

Since Friday, the number of presumptive positive cases in The Fairfax Health District increased by six. The Fairfax Health District, which includes Fairfax County, Fairfax City and Falls Church City, has 22 presumptive positive cases. Presumptive cases were tested at the state or local level and must be confirmed by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

SEE ALSO: VA Coronavirus Cases Surpass 150; Hospitals Free To Add More Beds

COVID-19 can range from mild to severe respiratory illness, with symptoms of fever, cough and difficult breathing appearing two to 14 days after exposure. Older adults and individuals with chronic health conditions like heart disease and lung disease are at higher risk for severe illness. The virus is thought to spread primarily through respiratory droplets produced when an infected person coughs or sneezes.

The Fairfax County Health Department does not provide testing for COVID-19 but recommends individuals with symptoms to call their health care provider and discuss the situation. These individuals should call ahead so the doctor's office can put infection control protocols in place.

The health department advises residents that limited capacity for testing has resulted from shortages of personal protective equipment across the U.S. and limited supplies materials needed to collect specimens for testing. The health department does approve testing to be done at the state laboratory to "identify COVID-19 among individuals who have severe infections or who pose a particular risk to public." More guidance on testing is available on the health department's new testing information page.

Get the latest updates on the new coronavirus in Virginia as they happen. Sign up for news alerts and a newsletter in your Patch town.

Public health officials renewed a call for all residents to follow social distancing practices due to evidence of community spread. Community spread involves spread of an illness from an unknown source, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The Fairfax County Health Department recommends these measures to reduce the risk of exposure:

• Avoid non-essential travel and public gatherings, especially if you are an individual who is at increased risk for severe illness, including pregnant women, older adults and persons of any age with underlying health conditions.
• Avoid travel to all areas where there are outbreaks of COVID-19.
• Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. Use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer only if soap and water are not available.
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth.
• Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue or your sleeve (not your hands) when coughing or sneezing.
• Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces.
• If you are mildly sick with a fever, stay home except to get medical care.
• Those with high risk factors and who have fever or new or worsening cough, should consider contacting their providers earlier when they are sick. Call ahead to let them know of your symptoms.

More public health information is available from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Virginia Department of Health and Fairfax County Health Department. Residents can receive Fairfax County updates about COVID-19 by texting FFXCOVID to 888777 or call the information line with questions at 703-267-3511 from 9:30 a.m. to 9 p.m. weekdays and 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. on weekends.