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Fort Campbell confirms second COVID-19 case

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FORT CAMPBELL, Ky. (WTVF) — A dependent of a military retiree at Fort Campbell has tested positive for COVID-19, making it the second confirmed case for the virus at the installation.

Fort Campbell officials said Friday that the person is currently isolated at home, located off the installation. The individual has shown symptoms but has not required hospitalization.

The person recently traveled to Europe, according to officials.

Fort Campbell officials and Blanchfield Army Community Hospital health professionals are working to find out if others may have been exposed. They will directly contact anyone who’s at risk.

Health professionals and leaders are also coordinating closely with authorities in the area to determine any potential risk of exposure off the installation.

On Thursday, Fort Campbell officials announced the installation’s first confirmed case.

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What is COVID-19 (a.k.a. the new coronavirus?)

According to the World Health Organization, coronaviruses (CoV) are a large family of viruses that cause illness ranging from the common cold to more severe diseases. Examples include the Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (MERS-CoV)and Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS-CoV). A novel coronavirus (nCoV) is a new strain that has not been previously identified in humans. COVID-19 stands for "Coronavirus disease 2019," which is when this strain of the coronavirus was discovered.

What are the symptoms?

The CDC says patients confirmed to have the 2019-nCoV reportedly had mild to severe respiratory illness with:

  • Cough
  • Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing

Or at least two of the following symptoms:

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

At this time, the CDC believes symptoms could appear as soon as two days after exposure, or as long as 14 days.

Prevention

The CDC is recommending "common sense" measures such as:

  • 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 mouth and nose with a cloth face cover when around others.
  • Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then throw the tissue in the trash.
  • Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces.