It is with great sadness that the Madison County Health Department reports the first COVID-19 associated death in a Madison County, NC resident.

The individual died July 31, 2020, from complications associated with the virus. The patient was older and had underlying medical conditions. To protect the families’ privacy, and out of tremendous respect for the family, no further information will be released.

Tammy Cody, Health Director stated, “I am truly sad to make this announcement.” Madison County Government, The Board of Health and all of us at the Madison County Health Department wish to extend our deepest sympathies to the individual’s family and friends.” “This is simply heartbreaking.”

We urge everyone to please take precautions. Most of our residents have experienced very mild symptoms from the COVID-19 virus; however, we have no way to know who may have mild symptoms and who may have very serious symptoms. We do know that being older and having underlying health conditions puts individuals at greater risk; however, our nation and state have experienced the deaths of young healthy individuals.

Many states including North Carolina are seeing higher rates of infections and hospitalizations. While there is no cure or vaccine for COVID-19 currently, the best tools we have are the use of masks, social distancing, and hand washing,

To stay up to date on COVID-19 in North Carolina, visit ncdhhs.gov/coronavirus or text COVIDNC to 898211. Call 2-1-1 (or 888-892-1162) for general questions or for help finding human services resources in your community. You may also call the Madison County COVID-19 Hotline at 828-649-0755.