SPOTSYLVANIA COUNTY, Va. -- The fifth Virginian to test positive for coronavirus (COVID-19) is a Spotsylvania man in his 50s, the Virginia Department of Health (VDH) announced Tuesday.
He is hospitalized in stable condition.
"The investigation is in its very early stages and health officials are trying to determine how the patient contracted the illness," a VDH spokesperson said.
"We are reaching out to contacts and conducting risk assessments in order to take appropriate actions to protect the contacts’ and the public’s health," Rappahannock Area Health District Director Dr. Brooke Rossheim said. "The risk of novel coronavirus infection in the general population of Spotsylvania County continues to remain low."
The coronavirus that causes COVID-19 can cause mild to more severe respiratory illness, according to VDH.
"In a small number of patients, COVID-19 can cause death, particularly among those who are older or have chronic medical conditions," the spokesperson said.
Symptoms include:
- Fever
- Cough
- Difficulty breathing
In an effort to protect yourself, practice good hand hygiene, wash your hands, avoid close contact with ill persons, and avoid touching your nose, mouth and eyes