This post was updated March 18 at 7:32 p.m.
The Shelby County Health Department announced a fourth case of coronavirus Wednesday morning, the second case confirmed in two days.
The most recent case, identified late Tuesday evening, is not related to the first three cases, health officials say.
This individual is believed to have contracted the virus from out-of-state visitors who were sick, though it’s unclear if they also tested positive. The person is now being treated at a local hospital, and the Health Department is creating a possible exposure list.
Shelby County Health Department Director Alisa Haushalter called the case a “red flag.”
“We’re beginning to have more cases that are not connected, which indicates that we can anticipate more cases as we move forward,” she said.
On Tuesday, the Health Department identified a third case in Shelby County, also unrelated to the first two.
The invidual was a non-resident traveler who officials say did not contract the virus locally.
As of Wednesday afternoon, Shelby County had roughly 20 coronavirus tests being processed by the state lab. That does not include the tests being sent to private labs.
Right now, only individuals who fit a list of federal criteria, including exhibiting symptoms like fever and a cough, are being tested. Although asymptomatic people are capable of spreading the virus, Haushalter says broad testing is still not available to catch these cases.
“While there could be some transmission by individuals who are asymptomatic, that is very atypical," she said. "That is the same for any illness whatsoever.”
While young people often feel less vulnerable to the virus, Haushalter reminded them to not ignore precautions. They are capable of spreading it to the elderly and sick.
"We're trying to call upon people to voluntarily do what is right for our community to stay healthy," she said.
In nearby Mississippi, the Hernando Police Department said an employee has tested positive for the virus.