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RIPLEY -- Jackson County has a confirmed case of the COVID-19, or coronavirus, the Jackson County Health Department said Friday.
"The Health Department was made aware of a confirmed case of the coronavirus this morning," said Wendy Staats, emergency preparedness coordinator for the Jackson County Health Department, Friday.
Staats wanted to reassure the public that the proper protocols are in place and health care providers know how to take care of the patients they are seeing and know what symptoms to look for.
"The patient who tested positive was very proactive," Staats said.
The patient, who was not identified, began to self-quarantine as soon as they felt sick, only leaving the home for medical care, Staats said.
"At this point in time the patient has been in quarantine for 12 days and is reporting less symptoms, stating they feel well," Staats said.
Staats said no members of the patient's household are showing symptoms of the coronavirus.
The Health Department addressed the public's concerns via livestream from its Facebook page on Friday.
Other members of the medical community spoke to help keep the public informed.
"Right now testing results can take anywhere from two to seven days to return," said Dr. John Snyder, the health officer for the Jackson County Health Department.
Snyder reviewed coronavirus symptoms with those watching.
"Symptoms include a fever of over 100.9, coughing and shortness of breath," said Snyder.
Snyder said the best way to stay healthy and lower the risk of contracting and spreading COVID-19 is to social distance as much as possible, maintain a six-foot minimum distance from others, wash your hands regularly and disinfect commonly touched items such as door knobs.
"If you are experiencing symptoms please call ahead so that your local care provider, be it the ER or a doctor's office, has time to prepare for your arrival," said Snyder.
Murrita Bolinger, chief medical officer with Coplin Health Systems, said most offices have begun screening people for fevers and other symptoms at the doors to minimalize risk of exposure in the waiting areas.
Dr. Steven Eshenaur, a medical provider at WVU Medicine Jackson General Hospital, discussed the criteria someone needs to meet in order to be tested for COVID-19.
"The criteria required is a fluid issue that can change weekly or daily based on what we are seeing and the access to testing materials we have available," said Eshenaur.
Eshenaur said the required criteria are: those who are seriously ill and hospitalized, those who are high risk and hospitalized (65 or older or those with existing chronic diseases such as COPD and heart disease), hospitalized patients from a nursing home, those who have come in contact with a confirmed case, and those who are likely to have contracted it due to recent travels.
"If you do not meet that criteria, you will most likely not be tested at this time due to limited testing supplies," said Eshenaur.
"I know this is a trying time for our community, but we are prepared and taking precautions to limit the spread of the virus," said Staats.
Staats said that if another case is confirmed, those in contact with the patient will be notified, including employer if the patient was at work while symptomatic.
"We need everyone to practice social distancing, good hygiene and stop the flow of false rumors that cause others to panic," said Staats.
Staats said the Health Department will keep its Facebook page up to date with factual information about the virus, cases and testing.
Eight coronavirus cases were identified in West Virginia Friday, with two cases pending, according to the West Virginia Department of Health and Human Resources' website. Counties with positive cases are Jackson (1), Jefferson (2), Kanawha (1), Mercer (1), Monongalia (1) and Tucker (2).
Madeline Scarborough can be reached at mscarborough@newsandsentinel.com