First case of coronavirus reported in McLean County

Posted on March 19, 2020
McLean County Health Department Administrator Jessica McKnight (center) on Thursday confirmed the first case of coronavirus in the county. (Blake Haas/WJBC)

 

By Neil Doyle and Blake Haas

BLOOMINGTON – Local health officials have reported the first coronavirus case in McLean County.

The McLean County Health Department says the patient is a man in his 70s with no history of travel or exposure. The man is in “good” condition and is in isolation at Advocate BroMenn Medical Center in Normal, according to health officials.

Health department officials say they are reaching out to people who had contact with the patient to help prevent possible disease spread in the community.

“We have been preparing for this situation,” said Jessica McKnight, Health Department Administrator.  “I have confidence in the ability of our staff and local healthcare partners to respond to this situation.  We are working with the Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) to protect our community and limit the further spread of the virus.”

The MCHD will be conducting investigations on any suspected COVID-19 illness and notify the public if there are any additional confirmed cases in McLean County.

The Illinois Department of Public Health on Thursday announced three additional coronavirus deaths. State health officials say there are now 422 confirmed cases. Just over 3,000 people have been tested for the virus in Illinois.

Neil Doyle can be reached at [email protected]

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