Catawba County News

Catawba County Announces its Third Death Associated with COVID-19

Published: May 19, 2020

Catawba County Public Health is reporting the third COVID-19-associated death in Catawba County.

The individual was a resident of Brian Center Health and Rehabilitation in Viewmont and died from complications associated with the virus. The patient was in their early 70s and had underlying medical conditions. To protect the family’s privacy, no further information about this patient will be released.

“This is unfortunate and difficult news for our community,” said Catawba County Public Health Director Jennifer McCracken. “Our sympathies are with the family members and friends affected by this loss.”

For most people, COVID-19 infection will cause mild illness. However, it can make some people very ill and, for some people, it can be fatal. If someone suspects they have COVID-19, they should contact their doctor or a local primary care provider to determine if they need to be tested. The decision to test is made by a person’s healthcare provider based on an evaluation of current symptoms, health status and testing guidelines.

According to updated guidance from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), people with these symptoms or combinations of symptoms may have COVID-19:

• Cough
• Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing

Or at least two of these symptoms:

• Fever
• Chills
• Repeated shaking with chills
• Muscle pain
• Headache
• Sore throat
• New loss of taste or smell

Anyone with more serious symptoms should call their doctor or 911 right away. More serious symptoms can include shortness of breath, difficulty breathing, chest pain or pressure, confusion or blue lips.