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A Seneca High School student is La Salle County's first confirmed case of COVID-19 and health officials believe other students at the school are at a low risk for contracting the virus.

The La Salle County Health Department said Thursday the case is a girl in her teens without a history of travel to an affected area and no connection to a known case of COVID-19. The individual, whose identity is not being shared by officials due to privacy, is recovering at home in isolation.

The patient was tested Monday at Morris Hospital — the hospital's first positive test. She was not admitted to the hospital.

Seneca High School administrators were contacted by the health department one of its students had tested positive for the coronavirus. The name of the student was not shared with administrators due to the low risk and privacy laws.

Since the student didn't exhibit any symptoms while at school, the Health Department is not commencing with contact tracing, administrators said. The high school was closed Tuesday under the governor's statewide order to shut down schools and will be closed through Monday, April 13.

"Public health officials deem that students and staff are at a low risk and are not recommending any additional measures be taken by the district," said school administrators in a press release.

Administrators added: "During this time, SHS custodial staff deep cleaned and sanitized the school."

The La Salle County Health Department said it is following all of the guidelines and taking all precautions set by the CDC and Illinois Department of Public Health.

“Our staff is working to identify, investigate, and actively monitor individuals who were in close contact with the patient,” said Julie Kerestes, pubic health administrator of La Salle County Health Department. “We understand this development causes heightened concern; however, the health and safety of our residents is our highest priority.”

When asked in a follow-up phone call if the first case of coronavirus having no known contact with another individual with the virus means there may be other residents with the virus Jenny Barrie with the La Salle County Health Department said it's an assumption worth considering.

"I think residents in La Salle County need to assume that the virus is here. This is an equal opportunity virus that can affect anyone," Barrie said.

Those believed to have been in contact with the individual will be contacted by the La Salle County Health Department. At this time, the investigation is ongoing and Barrie couldn't answer how many may need to self quarantine as a result or where the first case traveled prior to being tested.

Morris Hospital officials immediately consulted the infectious disease physician on the hospital medical staff and the health department after the positive test. All of the recommended guidelines and precautions from the CDC and Illinois Department of Public Health are being followed, according to hospital officials.

Any potential community exposures pertaining to this patient are being investigated and managed by the La Salle County Health Department.

“While we knew this day would come, we understand that the first case in our community causes heightened concern,” said Mark Steadham, president and CEO of Morris Hospital in a press statement. “We continue to work diligently to maintain a safe environment for our patients, visitors, and staff and encourage everyone to take preventive actions to prevent the spread of the virus in our community.”

On top of the governor's recent orders to stay home unless a trip is essential, the public is encouraged to continue washing hands often for 20 seconds, avoid touching their face, clean frequently touched objects, cover coughs and sneezes with a tissue or upper sleeve and stay home if sick.

"People need to reduce the amount of time they're spending in the community and with other people. Residents need to be staying home as much as possible," Barrie said.

Illinois Department of Public Health Director Dr. Ngozi Ezike said the number of cases statewide continues to expand exponentially, especially as more residents across the state are getting tested. There 585 cases confirmed across 25 counties in Illinois with five deaths. Neighboring counties Woodford and Kendall already had confirmed cases.

The La Salle County Health Department has tested 42 people in the county. Twenty-eight of those tests have come back negative and 10 are pending. Four tests were not accepted by the state lab. They'll be updating this number at lasellecounty.org every day at 3 p.m.

Julie Kerestes, administrator at the La Salle County Health Department, said Tuesday citizens should practice healthy social distancing, which includes avoiding large gatherings and allowing a distance of six feet between individuals at this time.

If you are showing symptoms of COVID-19, a fever, cough or shortness of breath:

Those with mild illness should not go to a hospital or other care centers but instead should stay home and rest until they’re well. If symptoms progress, it is advisable to call your healthcare provider who will advise if you need medical treatment. Anyone with respiratory symptoms who is planning to seek care at a walk-in clinic should call in advance for instruction. Based on the CDC guidelines, the healthcare provider will evaluate the symptoms by phone and provide instruction.

Anyone experiencing a medical emergency should call 9-1-1 or go to the nearest hospital emergency room. If you are seeking emergency medical care and think you could have coronavirus, tell the medical workers in advance so they can prepare for your arrival.

Shaw Media Illinois has information posted on on how to protect yourself or what to do if you are sick

The Illinois Department of Public Health has a COVID-19 hotline: 1-800-889-3931 and an email: DPH.SICK@ILLINOIS.GOV

The CDC has a list for prevention and treatment.