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Health officials confirm 2nd case of coronavirus in Indiana

Indiana health officials confirm 2nd case of coronavirus in state

INDIANAPOLIS (WISH) — A second Indiana resident has tested positive for the coronavirus, according to the Indiana State Health Department.

State health officials announced the update Sunday. Gov. Holcomb confirmed the state’s first case of coronavirus in Indiana on Friday morning and declared a public health emergency for the state.

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According to ISDH, the second patient lives in Hendricks County and is in isolation and experiencing mild symptoms. The patient is not currently hospitalized.

Officials say the patient traveled to Boston in late February for the BioGen conference and developed symptoms on March 2. State officials also confirm the Marion County patient who tested positive for the state’s first COVID-19 case has also been tied to the BioGen conference.

“With the increasing number of COVID-19 cases in the United States and the fact that we are a mobile society, this new case isn’t surprising, but we know it causes concern in the community,” said State Health Commissioner Kris Box, M.D., FACOG, in a press release to News 8. “I urge Hoosiers to continue to educate themselves about this illness and take common-sense precautions, but also to be aware that the vast majority of COVID-19 cases are mild in individuals without underlying medical conditions.”

Box is urging any Hoosiers who attended the BioGen conference to self-quarantine at home and monitor symptoms.

More than a dozen COVID-19 cases nationwide have been linked to the BioGen conference in Boston.

ISDH says these are the most common ways to spreading coronavirus:

  • Respiratory droplets released into the air by coughing and sneezing;
  • Close personal contact, such as touching or shaking hands;
  • Touching an object or surface with the virus on it, then touching your mouth, nose, or eyes before washing your hands; and
  • Rarely, fecal contamination.

ISDH recommends taking these steps to protect yourself:

  • Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. If soap and water are not available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer.
  • Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands.
  • Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
  • Stay home when you are sick.
  • Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then throw the tissue in the trash.
  • Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces.