Joplin announces 24th total positive case of COVID-19

The Joplin Health Department today announces that there are five additional positive cases of COVID-19, bringing the total cases to 24 within the city of Joplin. One individual adult resides in Joplin within Newton County and the other four persons reside in Joplin within Jasper County. (Note: these cases will be counted under Joplin on the Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services website.)

To protect the patient’s right to privacy, identifying information will not be provided. As part of the regular practice of disease investigation, the Health Department will notify people who have had contact with the patients.

Four of the new cases, (two children and two adults) are contacts of a previously known case. The fifth case appears to be community acquired. There is not any known recent travel associated with any of these cases.

The Joplin Health Department staff are working with the Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services to determine any close contacts of this individual who were possibly exposed. If exposed, health officials will provide guidance to these individuals and monitor them closely for the development of symptoms.

As Joplin has seen a sudden increase in cases, Health Director Dan Pekarek reminds everyone to be diligent with simple measures that can be taken that can help prevent becoming ill as well as reducing the spread of illness.

Wash hands often with soap and water. If not available, use hand sanitizer.