First COVID-19 death reported in Williamson County
WILLIAMSON COUNTY, Texas - Williamson County and Cities Health District (WCCHD) has confirmed the first COVID-19 death in Williamson County. The patient was a Williamson County male resident in his 70s.
Privacy protection laws only permit the release of limited patient information.
“To the family, we are heartbroken for your loss,” said Williamson County Judge Bill Gravell. “To the rest of the community, I emphasize that it is everyone’s responsibility to stay home and stay safe in order to protect our community, our families, and especially the most vulnerable among us.”
On March 27, Travis County reported their first COVID-19 death. According to their press release, the patient was a woman over the age of 70 with underlying health conditions.
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Investigations conducted by the Williamson County and Cities Health District will identify potential contacts exposed to the virus and provide close contacts guidance about the virus and monitor them for the development of symptoms.
Symptoms for coronavirus COVID-19 include fever, coughing, and shortness of breath. These, of course, are similar to the common cold and flu.Expect a common cold to start out with a sore or scratchy throat, cough, runny and/or stuffy nose. Flu symptoms are more intense and usually come on suddenly, and can include a high fever.
Symptoms of COVID-19 may appear more slowly. They usually include fever, a dry cough and noticeable shortness of breath, according to the World Health Organization. A minority of cases develop pneumonia, and the disease is especially worrisome for the elderly and those with other medical problems such as high blood pressure, obesity, diabetes or heart conditions.
Right now there's one big difference between flu and coronavirus: A vaccine exists to help prevent the flu and it's not too late to get it. It won't protect you from catching the coronavirus but may put you in a better position to fight it.
To protect yourself, wash your hands well and often, keep them away from your face, and avoid crowds and standing close to people.
And if you do find yourself showing any of these flu or coronavirus symptoms - don't go straight to your doctor's office. That just risks making more people sick, officials urge. Call ahead, and ask if you need to be seen and where.
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