LANSING, Mich. – With great sadness, the Ingham County Health Department (ICHD) is reporting Ingham County’s first death related to coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-2019). The deceased is an adult male in his 50s.

The patient’s underlying health condition was likely a contributing factor. While COVID-19 is a mild illness for at least 80 percent of the population, it can be severe for some, especially those with pre-existing conditions and people who are older.

“We send our deepest condolences to the grieving family members and friends at this time,” said Ingham County Health Officer Linda S. Vail. “It’s a sobering reminder of why people must practice social distancing. Not everyone who has the coronavirus will be sick. Distance yourself from others as if everyone has it. Be diligent with hand washing. Do not touch your face with unwashed hands.”

The patient did not expose the general public to the coronavirus. To date, there are 91 cases of COVID-19 in Ingham County. For additional information, Ingham County residents can call the ICHD COVID-19 response line at (517) 887-4517 or visit hd.ingham.org/coronavirus

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