Mar 12, 2020 - Health

Kansas officials confirm first death related to coronavirus

Orion Rummler

In this image, a group of cells are displayed — COVID-19 from a transmission electron microscopy view. Photo: Cavallini James/BSIP/Universal Images Group via Getty Images

A man in his 70s with underlying health issues tested positive for the novel coronavirus after dying at a local hospital, the Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE) said on Thursday.

What's happening: Kansas health officials confirmed three additional presumptive positive cases of COVID-19 in Johnson County, Kansas on Thursday. The three male patients, currently in isolation, tested positive after attending the same conference in Florida, health officials said.

Catch up quick: The deceased patient was receiving care at a local hospital at the time of his death, Kansas Gov. Laura Kelly told reporters on Thursday. He lived in a long-term care facility in Wyandotte County.

Kelly issued an emergency declaration for the state on Thursday, saying: "This is not a time to panic. Please continue to use common sense: handwashing, coughing into your elbow, staying home when ill. This remains the best defense against COVID-19," adding that residents are advised to practice social distancing.
“We are working on identifying contacts right now,” KDHE Secretary Dr. Lee Norman, said on Thursday, referring to the deceased patient.

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Kansas officials confirm first death related to coronavirus

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