South Carolina health officials have reported the first death from COVID-19 in an elderly nursing home patient.

“We regret to report that South Carolina has suffered its first death in an elderly person recently reported to have been diagnosed with COVID-19 who was a resident of Lexington Medical Center Extended Care Skilled Nursing Facility,” said Dr. Brannon Traxler, a physician consultant with the state Department of Health and Environmental Control.

“Our state health officials continue to work with national and local partners to respond to this ongoing public health matter.”

More:Coronavirus updates from around South Carolina

The patient was from Lexington County and a resident of Lexington Medical Center Extended Care Skilled Nursing Facility, officials said. DHEC is working to identify all contacts and provide guidance about infection control measures to prevent spread.

“We know that many South Carolinians are concerned about what impact this virus may have on themselves, their loved ones, and our state,” said Dr. Traxler.

“This is a rapidly evolving public health event, and DHEC takes every new infectious disease seriously," he added. "This is an example of the importance of taking precautions to protect those at higher risk, like the elderly and people with serious underlying health conditions.”

South Carolina has tested 235 people so far and 28 were positive.

DHEC emphasizes the importance of practicing disease prevention measures and following recommendations for social distancing to protect the health and safety of all South Carolinians.

Liv Osby is the health writer at The Greenville News. She can be reached at losby@greenvillenews.com, 864-298-4422 or @livgnews.