Platte County Health Department last Wednesday officially announced the first death of a Platte County resident due to COVID-19, then a few days later a second death was being noted in the department’s official updates.
The first Platte County resident to die was a female in her 70s. She tested positive for COVID-19 on May 7 and had underlying health conditions, health department officials say. The case was not travel related, officials said.
Details on the second death had not been released by the health department by Landmark deadline this week.
“Our thoughts and prayers are with the family and loved ones,” Platte County Health Director Mary Jo Vernon said.
“Our deepest sympathy is extended to her family and all who knew her. While the vast majority of cases of COVID-19 are believed to be mild, the virus can cause a very serious infection that can lead to death, especially in people over age 60 and those with underlying medical conditions.”
As of Tuesday, May 26, the health department said there had been 123 total cases of COVID-19 identified in Platte County.
Of those, 68 are residents of Platte County outside the city limits of Kansas City and 55 are residents of Kansas City in Platte County.
Of the 68 outside of Kansas City in Platte County, 21 of those are residents of zip code 64152, 20 are residents of zip code 64150, 16 are within 64079, and five within 64098. The other six are in various other zip codes.
Of the 68, 14 had required hospitalization, according to health officials.
The Platte County Health Department is still encouraging everyone to take health precautions and practice physical distancing. In addition to washing your hands and disinfecting surfaces frequently, the CDC also recommends the use of face coverings when out in public when physical distancing is not possible.
The Platte County Health Department says if you are sick, you must isolate at home to prevent the spread of germs and only leave to seek medical care. If you experience symptoms such as cough, fever, or other respiratory problems, call your health care provider or urgent care clinic to receive guidance and arrange a test, if appropriate.
Do not go to the emergency room unless you are having troubling breathing and need immediate medical attention, the health department advises.