A fourth individual in Jackson County has tested positive for COVID-19, according to a Jackson County Health Department press release.

The individual is a man in his early 20s and is in home isolation. It’s believed he was exposed to the virus through travel to Chicago and the east coast, according to the release.

The individual is not allowed to leave home until he is well and unable to transmit the disease, and public health officials have begun contacting people he may have come in contact with before the diagnosis, the release said.

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“Through this investigation, public health may place other individuals on home quarantine if they are determined to have had significant exposure,” the release said. “Such individuals may not be symptomatic, but are quarantined for a period of time which allows symptoms to develop and pass, without posing risk to others.”

Individuals contacted by public health officials are asked to respond quickly.

Illinois COVID-19 cases currently total 5,057 with 73 deaths.

COVID-19 symptoms are similar to those of common respiratory illnesses. Anyone experiencing a fever, cough or difficulty breathing is asked to contact their local healthcare provider.

Additionally, Southern Illinois Healthcare has set up a 24-hour COVID-19 hotline, which can be reached at 1-844-988-7800.

The Daily Egyptian News Desk can be reached at [email protected] or on Twitter at @dailyegyptian.

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