Possible community exposure to virus being investigated in La Crosse County

A person, who has been hospitalized with the coronavirus COVID-19 for the past 11 days, was in Onalaska.

The La County Health Department said Sunday evening this person was at a funeral in Onalaska, before dining at the Red Lobster on March 11.

The following day, this non-resident of La Crosse County, was hospitalized with COVID-19, according to a health department Facebook post.

It’s unclear, by officials, who would potentially be at risk, but the post did say that risk would likely be low.

Regardless, the county says anyone who attended the funeral at Saint Patrick’s Church in Onalaska, from 4-6 p.m., March 11, or was at the Red Lobster from 6:15-730 p.m., should stay home from work, cease any social activities and monitor themselves for symptoms until Thursday.

If symptoms develop, they should first call their health care provider and notify the clinic of a potential COVID-19 exposure.

The county also request that anyone who thinks they may have been exposed, identify themselves to the La Crosse County Health Department using the following (click here).

Symptoms of COVD-19 may include cough, tiredness, muscle aches, fever, difficulty breathing and sore throat. Rarely, some people may develop an upset stomach.

It is not recommended that everyone who attended the event seek testing. Testing supplies are limited and are being reserved for cases of severe illness, health care workers and long-term care residents.

For local updates about COVID-19 and other public health news, follow the
La Crosse County Health Department (click here) at or visit the website.