TIPPECANOE COUNTY, Ind. (WLFI) -- Tippecanoe County Health officials are reminding community members to stay calm amid Coronavirus concerns.
The first case of the virus was confirmed Friday in Marion County, Indiana.
There are no cases of COVID-19 Coronavirus in Tippecanoe County.
On Friday afternoon Dr. Jeremy Adler issued a Public Health Emergency for Tippecanoe County at a press conference.
It is Influenza season and the Coronavirus mimics the same symptoms as the cold or flu.
That includes a fever, difficulty breathing and a cough.
There are criteria to test to see if you have the Coronavirus.
Dr. Adler said you have to be exhibiting the symptoms and have had an elevated risk like traveling to level three countries like China, Japan, Italy or South Korea.
Adler said one group is more at risk for a serious case of Coronavirus than others.
"The risk of severe illness increases at age 50 for those who contract the virus and increases with age," said Adler. "The highest risk group patients are people ages 80 and over."
Dr. Adler said above all stay calm and practice good hand washing habits.
The Tippecanoe County Health Department is relying on the World Health Organization and Centers for Disease Control for up to date information.
Dr. Adler released testing protocols Friday.
He said the state of Indiana has been preparing for the virus since December.
Get tested if you have a fever and have come into contact with anyone who has Coronavirus or are showing symptoms and have traveled to China, Italy, Japan or South Korea.
Right now, only the Indiana State Department of Health can administer the test.
Adler said use your best judgment and self-quarantine if you feel you may have Coronavirus.
The CDC is working around the clock to update the country on any confirmed cases of the virus.
